The one thing the Tahoe Knight Monsters should do in the future

Being the new kid on the block has its perks. You're exposed to how a community is run, meeting awesome people along the way. You also learn something from these people, including how to win a Stanley Cup or make the Calder Cup Final in your first season. Life can be good if you're the new guy.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters are the newest players in the hockey market, joining the ECHL in 2024-25. They're the new affiliate franchise for the Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights, a pairing that should surprise nobody. The team plays near Lake Tahoe in Nevada, adding another element to the state's mission of growing hockey.

Well, it's not necessarily Governor Joe Lombardo's mission. He has other priorities at the moment. However, the Knight Monsters can make their mark within the Golden Knights community and become an essential part of their history. After all, hockey is an expanding sport throughout North America. Therefore, why not contribute to that growth and make it an essential part of being in the Silver State? Here's one thing the Knight Monsters can do to build goodwill within the hockey community in Nevada.

What the Tahoe Knight Monsters can do to grow their footprint in the Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights community

The one thing the Tahoe Knight Monsters can do to grow hockey in Nevada is to have a home-for-home swap for one game in a season with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights get a Winter Classic near Lake Tahoe, similar to what they had in 2021. The Tahoe Knight Monsters have a gigantic spectacle at T-Mobile Arena that draws in a crowd. It'll garner more exposure because Las Vegas is a tourist attraction with millions of people flooding the town.

The same can be said for the Henderson Silver Knights. Why not have a game at Lee's Family Forum while the Silver Knights head out near Stateline? The purpose of growing hockey's footprint is to generate exposure, which would help residents in the area recognize the game. The Knight Monsters know this and it'll be something they'll pounce on in the future.

Other good ideas for the new ECHL franchise include hosting a hockey camp for aspiring young players and having a red carpet event for the home opener. These ideas are easy to do and build goodwill within the community. However, the Knight Monsters can get themselves off the ground with a nice cross-promotion, showcasing their new club's traditions.