Prepping for the Henderson Silver Knights 2024-25 season
The Henderson Silver Knights kick off another campaign for the upcoming AHL season. Here's what to expect from the little brothers of the Vegas Golden Knights.
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.
But what about Lukas Cormier?
Therapist: "Who else do you have as a friend?"
Silver Knights: "Well, there's Lukas Cormier. He's one of my favorite defensemen and he can score, too. He's one of my best friends."
Therapist: "What makes him special?"
Silver Knights: "He can shoot the puck well and can make the backdoor play. Not many blue-liners can do what he does."
Therapist: "He must mean a lot to you."
Silver Knights: "He does!"
One of the bright spots in the Vegas Golden Knights farm system has been Cormier. The defenseman had 16 assists in 2023-24 for the Henderson Silver Knights, making him an important piece of the puzzle. The year prior, he scored 10 goals and 25 assists, boosting his reputation in the lower levels of hockey.
Of course, being a two-time winner of the Emile Bouchard Trophy (2021 and 2022) comes with being a skilled blue-liner. That's especially true when he was with the QMJHL's Charlottetown Islanders, scoring 49 goals and 86 assists in his last two seasons. Earning such accolades will win the respect of your peers and make you one of the top prospects in the NHL.
There are some aspects he can work on to become a better all-around player. For example, having better defensive awareness and playing better away from the puck will turn him into a deadlier player. In turn, the Golden Knights can rely on him as a future blue-liner if names like Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb leave. However, his offensive acumen will turn him into a lucrative piece for years.
Why should fans appreciate the Henderson Silver Knights like the Vegas Golden Knights?
There are notable similarities between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Henderson Silver Knights. For one, both teams take on a medieval theme, carrying the "Knights" in their respective names. There's also the fact that both teams went to the championship round in the first season of their respective monikers. Vegas went to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017-18 while Henderson went to the Calder Cup Final in 2020-21 (the first in their new home).
While there are some notable differences as well (the Silver Knights were originally the San Antonio Rampage before moving to Nevada), there are some advantages to going to a Silver Knights game. For one, it's a cheaper alternative for cash-strapped families who love hockey. You're getting the Nevada hockey experience that also shows the stars of tomorrow, whether it's Carl Lindbom or Lukas Cormier. That's something fans can bank on as they head to Lee's Family Forum in 2024-25.
Therapist: "What else makes you happy?"
Silver Knights: "Well, I have thousands of people that come see me from October to April. They say hello to me and cheer me on in life. That's something that makes me feel good."
Therapist: "There's something you can build on. Know that you should just focus on what you can do with your life. You have a good support system with you that roots for you wherever you go. That's what matters in life."
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