LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Eagle News) – The inauguration of hockey’s newest team, the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena brought more than just a sporting event. The introductory ceremony commemorated the 58 lives lost in the tragic shooting at a country music concert last October 1st.
All banners at the arena were replaced with banners bearing the hashtag #VegasStrong. As a show of respect to those lives lost, everyone united in 58 seconds of silence during which the arena went dark and the names of the fallen 58 were illuminated on the ice.
Given no less importance, the first responders, physicians, policemen, firefighters, EMT’s, first dispatchers and nurses were acknowledged with introductions partnered with the introduction of each Golden Knight player. Even the opposing team, the Arizona Coyotes, showed respect by lining up behind the Golden Knights instead of across as is the custom in hockey, gaining a round of cheers from fans.
The Golden Knights first season game did not disappoint, scoring four goals in the first period and a total of five on the night, winning 5-2 over the Coyotes. The Knights offense was led by James Neal, who contributed two goals in the winning effort. The Golden Knights are the first team to have a record of 3-0-0 as an expansion team in NHL history.
(Alex Tejada, EBC Las Vegas Bureau)
