Behind the Curtain — Excitement Over the Golden Knights

Exciting times here in Las Vegas — for the first time, we have a professional team to cheer for. As of the time of this writing, the Vegas Golden Knights are 7-1 and second place in the Pacific Division. Yes, the season is young with many games to go, but no one could have predicted the unprecedented early success of the Golden Knights.

In the wake of the tragic events of the Route 91 Harvest Festival, it’s hard not to cheer for the Knights. Some of these games have been on while I’m at work in the pit as a supervisor at the Cromwell, so I can see that guests from all over the world and local employees get excited about the Knights. It’s a true underdog story, a roster full of players who weren’t protected by their previous teams, then scooped up and bundled together here in the desert for a brand new adventure. They’ve ignited a fire in hockey fans here in Vegas. Not only that, they’ve awakened a dormant fan base of guys like me, who have never really watched hockey (my hometown is Salt Lake City, where there’s also no NHL), and now have a reason not only to watch, but also a motivation to get into it.

The home opener solidified the Golden Knights as a part of our community, with a moving spectacle and a speech from Deryk Engelland, a defenseman for the Knights who’s a long-time Vegas local. There wasn’t a dry eye in the stands when the puck dropped, beginning an emotionally charged and inspired performance on their way to a win.

Hardcore and casual fans alike have been drawn to the team ever since. The team is a part of us now. When Eric Haula threw down his gloves with Tomas Tatar during the game against the Detroit Redwings, it was as if he was fighting for the whole city. By all accounts, Haula lost the fight, but could be seen in the penalty box laughing, saying after all, it was his first one, exemplifying the spirit of the expansion team.

It’s truly a fascinating effect the Golden Knights have had on the City of Sin. I know I’m not speaking only for myself when I say it gives me a sense of pride to see the Vegas skyline depicted on Marc-Andre Fleury’s goalie mask. It’s a new type of excitement to watch the vibrant celebrations after a Golden Knight’s goal. For some of these players, like Alex Tuch and Vadim Shipachyov, it’s their first NHL goal, creating a bond among new players and new fans that’s difficult to describe.

Maybe the most surprising part to me is that I’m not hearing about sports betting in relation the Knights. Normally, when sports is discussed in Vegas, especially when I’m at work at the casino, it’s about a sports ticket, or the spread, or the over/under. Whether it’s from players or co-workers, most of the talk about sports is about betting. But I haven’t heard a word about betting for or against the Knights. All I hear is that they look good, or how great Fleury is playing, or how many goals James Neal has scored.

It’s a substantial change in atmosphere, one I hope to see continue through the season and for many seasons to come.