3 more international trips the Vegas Golden Knights should make
Leaving the home country can be a fun time for everyone involved. The Vegas Golden Knights will do this in September when they hit Mexico.
Get the tequila and sunscreen ready because the Vegas Golden Knights are heading to Mexico for the first time. They've announced the first "LosVGK en Mexico" trip slated for September 6 through September 10. It's part of an initiative to grow the Golden Knights brand and grow the game of hockey internationally. Considering Vegas has been a massive success since the team's inception, it's a "golden" opportunity.
After all, who doesn't love going to Cabo San Lucas or Cancun? It's a nice getaway from the hectic life in the United States, where people can unwind and forget about work drama. Why deal with a neurotic co-worker when you could be having a drink on the beach? The Golden Knights will do this when they're not spreading the good word about hockey. Imagine Adin Hill getting a suntan in his goalie gear, thinking about stopping 35 shots in a game.
But let's explore three international trips the Golden Knights should make for the future. We already covered three continental trips that Vegas should do (along with three others) since traveling is an incredible experience. Besides, having hockey clinics and open skates in Mexico City sounds like a great time. Pack your luggage, bring enough money, and get those passports ready! It's time to explore the world and find three destinations the Golden Knights should hit next.
Mora, Sweden
Sweden is a bastion for hockey, unlike Mexico. Therefore, it might not make sense for the Vegas Golden Knights to go to a town like Mora. Why check out a place that has produced Hall of Famers like Nicklas Lidstrom? However, there are good reasons why this would make sense, starting with the current bloodline.
The Vegas Golden Knights have three Swedish players on their team, including William Karlsson, Alexander Holtz, and Victor Olofsson. There's also a can't-miss prospect in Carl Lindbom who can represent his home nation in case one or more of these players leave. These connections alone can draw in a sizable crowd and build a fanbase.
There's also the prospect of an outdoor game, as previously mentioned. Why not grow the game by playing outside at, say, Siljan Lake? It would be a breathtaking experience that attracts new fans to the Golden Knights. It's a win-win for the franchise's effort to expand its reach, specifically if it showcases its dominance in the outdoor game.
Tokyo, Japan
Now, this falls closer to the Mexico section of uncharted territory since the Vegas Golden Knights haven't been here, either. It's also the largest city in the world with 37 million people in its metropolitan area. Imagine having a huge following in Japan, where fans on the other side of the Pacific watch your hockey team.
That would be an epic sight to behold. But there's also the prospect of bringing a hockey game or hockey clinic to the Tokyo Dome. Mainly used for baseball games (specifically in the Nippon Professional League), the stadium would be ideal for watching the Golden Knights play an NHL game. Imagine Adin Hill developing a cult following in Japan by posting a shutout.
Also imagine Jack Eichel becoming a sensation by scoring a hat trick. That would catapult Vegas's popularity to new heights, making them a global sensation. With the team settling roots south of the border, they could also hop across the Pacific and settle in the "Land of the Rising Sun."
Sydney, Australia
Believe it or not, the NHL has played a game in Australia. They went down under for a preseason series on September 23-24, 2023, with the Los Angeles Kings playing the Arizona Coyotes. Rod Laver Arena would be a nice game for fans to watch a hockey game, even if the country's overrun with gigantic creatures.
Still, Sydney is a big city, boasting over 5.3 million people. It's a goldmine for a potential outreach for the Vegas Golden Knights, especially since they already have a good following. The country has grown fond of hockey, with cities like Perth building on their fanbase.
Building off the country's familiarity with the franchise will give them a stronger grip on the area. By having fan fests and hockey games in Australia, the Golden Knights will become a household name. That's something the front office can't pass up, especially if they're becoming a dominant force in the NHL.
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