Although the NHL is stuck in Phase Two of their Return to Sport Plan, the Vegas Golden Knights have kept busy. Before we know it, hockey will be back, but until then, here's what the Golden Knights have been up to.
Hub City, Schmub City:
It's no secret that Las Vegas was being strongly considered as one of the two Hub Cities when the NHL resumes play. Over the past week, it has been widely speculated and reported that the two cities would be in Canada (totally not predictable NHL), Toronto for the West and Edmonton for the East. It seems having too many choices in one area for upscale accomodations is something the NHL did not want.
Phase Two Skates:
With players now allowed to skate in a voluntary capacity, the Golden Knights have begun releasing video of the sessions to the media. Multiple short, five minute clips have gone out showing the players skating through uncoached drills.
In the most recent edition, there were six forwards, four defensemen, and a goaltender. Paul Stastny, Max Pacioretty, and Mark Stone wore (typically) first-line white jerseys while Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, and Ryan Reaves donned the second line maroon. Shea Theodore headlined the group of defensemen. Jon Merrill, Nick Holden, and Deryk Engelland also participated, with Marc-Andre Fleury in goal.
Once Phase Three is initiated, coaches will come in and a more formal training camp would start. The players taking advantage of the Phase Two allowances may very well have a leg up on the others, once everyone returns. Currently, the NHL reports a mere 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of 396 players returning to the ice.
Jiri Patera Signing:
Patera, who currently plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL) had a marvelous season, on his way to winning Eastern Conference Goaltender of the Year. He finished the season with a 2.55 GAA and .921 SV# in 41 appearances.
For my money, Patera was the best looking goalie in Development Camp last summer. He's a guy to keep an eye on. While many are a fan of Oscar Dansk, Patera could be the goalie of the future. He's gone from a sixth round pick, to a Goalie of the Year award, and now inked an ELC. He's definitely moving in the right direction.
Jack Daniels Happy Hour:
Dave Goucher and Shane Hnidy are well known around Las Vegas for being the main broadcast team on all VGK home broadcasts. Well this past week, 'Dave and Shane' took to Instagram with Chris Fletcher of Jack Daniels Whiskey, to learn how to make new cocktails.
There hasn't been a more Vegas promotion than this one. Social Media and alcohol are two pillars of 'The Strip' and the Golden Knights brought them to the fans. Below is the JDSB Old Fashioned recipe, for those interested.
JDSB Old Fashioned: Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, Navel Orange, Angostura Bitters, and Real Maple Syrup.
Topping Off Ceremony:
With the announcement of their new AHL club, the Henderson Silver Knights, a proper practice facility went into construction. Lifeguard Arena, essentially the clone and little brother of the existing City National Arena (VGK), is getting closer to completion.
A topping off party is typical in construction when the last piece of structural steel is set. Due to COVID-19, the workers were unable to do much. In typical Golden Knights fashion, the organization went above and beyond, throwing a party with nice giveaways for the contracted workers. Shirts, VGK branded wine, and other gifts were given.
A larger presence is being formed in Henderson. By the time the AHL season starts, the Silver Knights will be fully engrained in the community. Merchandise has already been flying off the shelves for the team who will play one season in Las Vegas (Orleans Arena) before moving fully to Henderson.
Chance Mask Tee Shirts:
It wouldn't be a 2020 article if there wasn't a mention of the dreaded COVID-19. Many states have implemented what could be seen as overly cautious restrictions. Nevada is one of the states enforcing face coverings in all public places.
Coinciding with this, the Golden Knights ran a fun promotional shirt featuring their mascot Chance the Gila Monster. Each shirt available for purchase read "Don't Take a Chance" and featured Chance in a blue surgical mask. Proceeds benefited the Vegas Golden Knights (Charity) Foundation. Shirts can be purchased by texting "CHANCE" to 76278.
Each week I will recap the past week of Golden Knights fun. Head over to Twitter to catch me in between those articles.
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