Parting is such sweet sorrow, especially when it's an ECHL franchise that fans have grown to love. The Savannah Ghost Pirates announced a new partnership with the Florida Panthers on June 17. That left the Vegas Golden Knights with one less minor league team for their farm system. What's a top NHL team to do in this situation?
Why, they're going to get another minor league franchise. The Golden Knights needed something within the state of Nevada. That way, they can achieve their ambitions of growing hockey in the Silver State. That's been the case with Vegas winning a Stanley Cup and the Henderson Silver Knights becoming a local staple.
This newest affiliation isn't shocking to Vegas hockey fans who've read the news recently. The Ghost Pirates leaving and a new franchise near Lake Tahoe were simply clues to what was coming. But now, it'll become an expanded effort by Bill Foley to make Nevada into a hockey state.
Let's remove the mystery and cut to the chase. Who's the newest ECHL affiliate for the Vegas Golden Knights? Is it a franchise owned by legendary college football quarterback, Tim Tebow? Prepare to not be shocked by the newest partner within the Golden Knights organization.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are the Vegas Golden Knights's newest ECHL affiliate
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are the newest affiliate for the Vegas Golden Knights. They'll start their partnership in 2024-25, with the team playing in the Mountain Division. The Knights Monsters's head coach is Alex Loh, who had prior experience with the Adirondack Thunder from 2019 to 2022. Ironically, Loh was also part of the Savannah Ghost Pirates coaching staff in the past two seasons.
It should come as no surprise that Vegas's newest affiliate comes from within its home state. They've done well with their community outreach, ranging from successful youth hockey leagues to charity events. This will be another cog in the wheel for the successful hockey franchise.
As for Savannah, it's been nice knowing the organization. While fans have grown fond of their former affiliate, the club's success has been lacking. They've gone 58-68-16 (two shootout losses) in their first two seasons, earning 134 points. Granted, they're also a recent expansion franchise. However, they'll be forgotten for the new toy.
But back to the Tahoe Knight Monsters, who deserve a hearty welcome to the Golden Knights family! You'll like it here, given the NHL team's recent success and arguably the best fanbase in hockey. There might even be some fortune in your franchise's future, too.