Spanish voice of the Vegas Golden Knights powers through adversity and death threats

There isn't a better gig than calling hockey games for the Vegas Golden Knight, especially at T-Mobile Arena. You can see one of the hottest NHL teams around at an incredible arena, calling a hockey game in the process. Jesus Lopez has that job, where he follows the Golden Knights regularly. However, life for him hasn't been easy.

Lopez previously lived in Ocotlan near the Michoacan state line, running several pizza restaurants. That's when he encountered drug cartels demanding him to pay money to continue running his business in 2011. According to Lopez, the cartel was responsible for displacing him and his family from Mexico.

The group was known as La Familia Michoacana, a notorious cartel who kidnapped countless families and people. That includes a retaliatory event where the group kidnapped 14 people in December. Now, Lopez has called games for the Golden Knights since 2017, including the team's 2023 Stanley Cup victory.

It came at the right time because we went through a lot of things in Mexico. With this team, it's always, "What do you need, Jesus? What do you need, Jesus?"

Overcoming adversity has come with its rewards for Jesus Lopez

The 2023 Stanley Cup victory has been the biggest reward for Lopez during his Spanish broadcast career with the Vegas Golden Knights. Watching the team dominate the competition en route to their first championship has been rewarding. However, that hasn't been the only thing that has been fruitful.

The Golden Knights have also made concerted efforts to expand their outreach to Mexico. That includes hockey clinics and fan fests dedicated to the game and team throughout the region. It also grew its influence in Clark County, where Hispanics account for 30.96% of the population (2020).

Lopez's story of overcoming adversity is a stark reminder that better opportunities will come in life. Regardless of if you're faced with the loss of a job or even a life-threatening situation, you can overcome anything put in front of you. It's a matter of being resilient and not quitting, which is the mantra of Lopez's story.

Yes, there will be times when it seems too challenging to overcome. We've all had such trials and tribulations in life. But Lopez's story is a perfect example of how we can overcome and persevere. Just remember Tupac's old quote for dealing with life's various troubles.

Through every dark night, there is a brighter day after that.