Therapist: "What seems to be bothering you, Henderson Silver Knights?"
Silver Knights: "Well, sometimes it feels like I'm forgotten. I feel like nobody knows or cares about me."
Therapist: "What do you mean by this?"
Silver Knights: "Well, I have this big brother who plays in the big leagues called the Vegas Golden Knights. He has everything, including two Stanley Cup Final appearances and a Stanley Cup. Everyone loves my big brother."
Therapist: "Perhaps you're envious?"
Silver Knights: "Of course I am! I wish people paid attention to me and adored my achievements. I made the Calder Cup Final in my first season in Henderson."
Imagine this scenario where the Silver Knights go to the therapist to vent their frustrations. When it comes to hockey fandom in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights get the lion's share of the love. License plates are adorned with their logos, flags are flown everywhere, and their jerseys are worn by local citizens.
That comes with the territory, for Henderson is the AHL affiliate of the Golden Knights. With fewer eyeballs and a smaller-scale arena in Lee's Family Forum, it's easy to see why they hate being forgotten, for nobody pays attention to the little brother. Besides, the NHL has more appeal, with bigger names such as Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid making highlight-reel plays.
Still, there's some hope for the little brother this season. Some exciting names are heading to the AHL club this season, bringing some eyeballs and attention to the team. What will the season look like for the Silver Knights? Who are some names to watch for during the 2024-25 campaign?
Why Carl Lindbom is a name to watch for the Henderson Silver Knights
Therapist: "What are some things you like doing in your life?"
Silver Knights: "For one, I like Carl Lindbom playing. He's a great goaltender who moves quickly and covers the crease well. He might visit me this year from Stockholm."
Therapist: "There you go! Let's build on that."
Lindbom is making his way to North America this season. The Swedish goaltender could bring netminding depth to the Henderson Silver Knights in 2024-25, making them a more well-rounded AHL team. There's also the possibility he joins the newly-minted Tahoe Knight Monsters of the ECHL, bringing excitement near Lake Tahoe. However, Lindbom can provide the shot-stopping ability that both teams need.
Just look at his SHL campaign from 2023-24 with Farjestad BK. He posted a GAA of 2.12 and a save percentage of .911 in 26 games. In 2022-23, he posted a respectable GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .914 during the World Junior Championship (U-20). Representing Sweden globally is never an easy task given its hockey pedigree. However, Carl Lindbom has shown he can handle pressure perfectly fine.