Remembering the tragic events of October 1, 2017
Vegas Golden Knights fans will remember the tragic events that happened on October 1, 2017. Here's one personal account of the scary happenings.
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.
The news about the Route 91 mass shooting
When I returned for my deli clerk job from Las Vegas on October 1, I was greeted by my co-workers. But it wasn't questions about my trip and how it was. Instead, it was something out of left field.
"Oh my goodness! Thank God you're okay!"
"We were thinking about you!"
"Did you hear the news about what happened in Las Vegas?"
It turns out that upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Route 61 mass shooting happened. It struck me out of nowhere as I wondered what would've happened if my father or I had stayed for an additional day. What if we were wandering around the Mandalay Bay Casino and Hotel and were killed in the crossfire? Sometimes, you don't think about your last words, for they could happen at any moment.
This was the same thought that countless Las Vegas residents had during that time. It wasn't about the upcoming Vegas Golden Knights preseason matchup against the San Jose Sharks. It wasn't about how exciting Marc-Andre Fleury or Jonathan Marchessault would be. It was about whether they or their families were safe. Some were mourning the loss of their most cherished people, for they would never see them again.
How the Vegas Golden Knights helped the Las Vegas community heal
Nobody would know how much of an impact the Golden Knights would have on the Las Vegas community after the tragic events of October 1. It started with honoring the first responders involved in getting the people to safety. Then, it led to the Golden Knights themselves meeting with the families affected by the tragic mass shooting. In fact, a new saying was born: "Vegas Strong."
That season, the Vegas Golden Knights would make the Stanley Cup Final, taking the NHL by storm. That included a Pacific Division crown, 109 points, and playoff victories over the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets. Led by Marc-Andre Fleury and Jonathan Marchessault, this band of "Misfits" bonded an entire city. Six years later, the promise to the affected families and lost lives was fulfilled as the Golden Knights hoisted Lord Stanley.
Watching the Golden Knight carry the entire town on their backs inspired numerous hockey fans like myself to follow the new NHL team. It brought a passionate love for Las Vegas hockey, two terms people thought were an oxymoron. However, it became a part of local culture, with fans looking forward to flooding T-Mobile Arena starting every October.
The success of the Golden Knights proves how effective sports are as a healing mechanism. It inspires us to be better and move forward, emboldening us to improve our beloved communities. That includes volunteering at the local soup kitchen and cleaning up the very grounds that we walk on. Sometimes, sports (especially hockey) can be larger than life itself.
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