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.