Last time, we learned about Tomas Hertl and what made him tick. He was one of a few Vegas Golden Knights stars acquired during last season's trade deadline. Hertl will act as a big body in Vegas's offense, causing trouble for goaltenders everywhere. However, another player was grabbed during that time and was also of significance. His name is Noah Hanifin and he's ready to shine in his first full season as a Golden Knight.
His job will make the offense easier for players like Jack Eichel, setting up fantastic scoring opportunities. He's also meant to aid the power play, giving the Golden Knights a much-needed bite. The defenseman will enter the 2024-25 season with a defined role, hoping to give the Golden Knights another Stanley Cup for their collection. That's especially true since the team will need offensive help wherever they can.
But let's explore the funner side of Hanifin and know him personally. What makes the star blue-liner tick? What are some things that stand out about him? Like Hertl, we'll learn more about the former Calgary Flames star and what makes him a unique player. That includes close friendships and past achievements during his illustrious hockey career.
Getting to know Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, Noah Hanifin
The most well-known fact about Noah Hanifin is he's been friends with Jack Eichel since their childhoods. They were taken three picks from each other in the 2015 NHL Draft and played against each other during their youth hockey days. The two were also a part of USA Hockey's National Development Program as teammates and hail from Massachusetts.
Speaking of his youth days, he played for his varsity hockey team during the eighth grade at Saint Sebastian's School. While some high schools have students in the ninth grade, Hanifin's talents go back when he was on the amateur scene. During his USHS-prep days, he scored 17 goals and 57 assists in three seasons.
Before playing for the Vegas Golden Knights, Hanifin represented the United States in many international competitions. That includes the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge, the 2014 U18 IIHF World Championships, the 2015 World Junior Championships, and the 2016-17 IIHF World Championships. He won a gold medal in the U17 World Hockey Challenge and the U18 IIHF World Championships.
The blue-liner also played one season at Boston College (2014-15), where he earned numerous honors. That included being on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, the Hockey East All-Star Second Team, and being a New England All-Star. He scored five goals and 18 assists during his lone season with the Eagles, where they lost in the regional semifinals to Denver, 5-2.