Not every sports team deals with community adversity before their first regular season starts. But that was the case with the Vegas Golden Knights, who dealt with a tragic mass shooting on October 1, 2017. This was before their preseason game against the San Jose Sharks and before Jonathan Marchessault and Marc-Andre Fleury became household names.
It was an event that shook the Las Vegas community to its core, leaving families grieving and people wondering if they were on their last minutes. But the events also hit the citizens of Las Vegas hard.
"How could this happen in our city?"
"Will we see our loved ones again?"
Countless questions flooded the weary minds of Nevada's biggest city, for they were frightened. A simple night of country music, beer, and fun at Route 91 Harvest Music Festival became a nightmare evening for everyone. Stephen Paddock murdered 60 people and wounded 413 people in the terrible shooting. Travelers were also affected by this, with some worried they wouldn't return home.
I was one of those travelers who left before the mass shooting occurred. It put many things into perspective, such as the value of my own life and the power of a stable community. It also made me realize my love for the Golden Knights, for they helped a wounded city heal from tragic events. Here's a recollection of what happened as I arrived home.
Before the plane ride home
"Look at that arena! Doesn't it look beautiful, Dad?"
"Yeah, it sure does!"
As we walked through New York New York Casino and Hotel toward our rooms, me and my father noticed the newly-built T-Mobile Arena right outside our hotel. I had always wanted to travel to Las Vegas, for the city intrigued me. The lights, the entertainment options, the Vegas Golden Knights entering the NHL landscape... All this could captivate an outsider from Romeo, Michigan.
We spent our fair time checking out the city, including Hard Rock Cafe and a personal late-night trip to Coyote Ugly. The Golden Knights were set to play the San Jose Sharks the night before we left, with a flyer for a preseason game left on our nightstands. We weren't thinking about the upcoming events. We only thought about the fun we would have in Las Vegas.
Once it was time to head back to Detroit from McCarran International Airport, the thoughts of returning to reality kicked in. The Golden Knights would be an afterthought (for now), but the inspiration to put down roots grew stronger. It felt like nothing would stop a person from trying a new place out. Still, it was back to work where I would be greeted by my co-workers once the plane landed.