Vegas Baby, Vegas! When Sin City Got Hooked on Hockey (and Shocked the World)
Las Vegas: a place synonymous with bright lights, clinking slot machines, and maybe even a questionable Elvis impersonator or two. But what about hockey? Believe it or not, this gambling mecca also boasts a thriving hockey scene, anchored by the Vegas Golden Knights.
But here's the question that might have you scratching your head like a bewildered tourist facing a $19.99 buffet bill: when did Las Vegas join the National Hockey League (NHL)? Buckle up, because this story is about to go from zero to sixty faster than a slap shot from Shea Theodore.
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| What Year Did Las Vegas Join The Nhl |
From Poolside Lounging to Ice Dreams: A Brief History of Vegas Hockey
Las Vegas' hockey roots go a little deeper than a drunken wager on a beer league game. The city actually flirted with the NHL back in 1991, hosting the first-ever outdoor NHL game (between the Kings and Rangers, no less!). They even held some preseason "Frozen Fury" games featuring the Avalanche, just to keep the chill in the desert air.
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Fast forward to 2009, and whispers started circulating about a possible Phoenix Coyotes relocation to Nevada. This rumor was about as hot as a poker hand with three aces, but ultimately fizzled out faster than a free buffet shrimp cocktail.
But then, in June 2016, everything changed. The NHL owners, in a move that surprised many (and probably had some bookies scrambling to adjust their odds), unanimously approved an expansion team for Las Vegas. Viva la hockey!
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This wasn't just any expansion team, mind you. The Vegas Golden Knights, complete with their sleek gold helmets and fierce knight mascot, were about to become the first major professional sports franchise to call Sin City home.
From Expansion Team to Stanley Cup Contenders: The Golden Knights Make a Splash (and Silence the Doubters)
The Golden Knights entered the 2017-18 season with a lot of unknowns. Sure, they had a well-regarded GM and a decent roster thanks to the expansion draft, but hockey analysts weren't exactly predicting a championship run.
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Wrong. The Golden Knights defied expectations, playing with the heart of a showman and the grit of a seasoned gambler. They stormed through the playoffs, leaving a trail of stunned opponents in their wake. Their unexpected journey culminated in a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, where they ultimately fell to the Washington Capitals.
Not bad for a team in its inaugural season. The Golden Knights have continued to be a force to be reckoned with, even capturing their first Stanley Cup in 2023.
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There you have it, folks! The answer to your burning question: Las Vegas joined the NHL in 2017.
So You Want to Be a Vegas Hockey Fan? How To...
Here's a quick guide to becoming a true Golden Knights fanatic:
- How to Cheer Like a Champ: Learn the "Go Knights Go!" chant and practice your high fives. Bonus points for enthusiasm and questionable dance moves.
- How to Dress for the Occasion: Golden Knights merch is a must. Go for the jersey, the hat, the socks – the whole ensemble!
- How to Navigate T-Mobile Arena: This place gets electric during games. Study the food options beforehand, because those concession lines can be a battle royale.
- How to Understand the Game: Hockey newbie? No worries! There are plenty of online resources to explain the rules, penalties, and all the exciting action on the ice.
- How to Embrace the Vegas Vibe: Las Vegas is all about entertainment, so expect pre-game shows, in-game entertainment, and maybe even a celebrity sighting or two.
Now you're ready to join the Golden Knights faithful and experience the thrill of hockey in the heart of Sin City!
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