Welcome, Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights recently came to fruition as a result of the NHL awarding the city an expansion team. The Vegas squad will officially take the ice for the first time during the 2017-18 season – prepared with an all-in mentality!
In a unanimous decision, the league’s owners granted the City of Lights its first major professional sports team in 2016. American businessman and attorney Bill Foley will guide the path for the Vegas-based squad alongside the seasoned George McPhee, who will serve as the team’s general manager. This dynamic duo brings decades of business, hockey, and leadership to the newfound franchise.
Continue reading to see how the Golden Knights found a place to call home in Vegas and what the hype is really all about.
Getting Started
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As the story goes, Bill Foley realized the untapped potential Las Vegas had for hosting hockey and immediately sprang into action. His goal to bring an NHL franchise was streamlined after he began the “Vegas Wants Hockey” campaign, which advertised the idea and created a conversation across social media platforms.
Besides forming an identity, selecting a name symbolizes the beginning of a major league sports team. Foley’s vision for a name and team logo included a wordmark that was “powerful and would epitomize the warrior class.” The West Point graduate initially opted for the title “Vegas Black Knights,” but received opposition from military leaders. Knights embody the warrior class and live on a code to serve and protect – which is the exact culture Foley wishes to base the organization around.
The T-Mobile Arena, just west of the famous Las Vegas Strip, will serve as the kingdom in which the Golden Knights will try to dominate all who oppose them. The arena has a capacity of 17,500 seats for hockey games and was “built with hockey in mind,” according to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The Las Vegas franchise has also reached its maximum season ticket sales, which capped off at 16,000 purchases. Needless to say, the fans are excited.
With Behind The Vegas Ice Episode 2 now in the books, here's a full episode recap. #BoldInGold
More: https://t.co/V7sMskTkoE pic.twitter.com/rgdvjI1L1Y
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 12, 2017
What Happens in Vegas …
The official team colors for the Vegas Golden Knights are steel grey, gold, red, and black – representing the community’s durability and strength. For their inaugural logo, the team utilizes a steel grey and gold color scheme, featuring a knight’s helmet overlay on a black and gold shield. A “V” is cut out on the front of the knight’s helmet as an homage to their home city (Vegas, of course).
Although the Golden Knights have yet to release initial jersey designs, one thing is certain – fans can expect to be #BoldInGold.
McPhee and Foley have their work cut out during the expansion draft regarding the construction of a super-charged roster. The Golden Knights have the ability to draft one player from each of the 30 incumbent clubs in the league. In addition to having no lower than the sixth overall draft pick, the team is guaranteed the third pick in the following round as well.
Vegas Golden Knights Fanatics Branded Primary Logo T-Shirt – Dark Grey Heather
Vegas, Baby, Vegas!
“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” may be a quote of the past because the Golden Knights are ready to take the league by storm. Prepare for the upcoming season in Sin City by updating your wardrobe ahead of time. Check out Fanatics.com to get ahold of the brand new Golden Knights fan gear!
Sources
- http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/18117718/las-vegas-nhl-expansion-team-named-golden-knights
- https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-expands-to-las-vegas/c-281010682
- https://www.nhl.com/news/las-vegas-franchise-sells-out-season-tickets/c-281931152
- http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/18114686/nhl-how-vegas-golden-knights-got-their-nickname
- http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20160618/nhl-team-planned-for-vegas-will-go-head-to-head-with-casinos-big-name-shows
- https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/introducing-the-vegas-golden-knights—newest-nhl-franchise/c-283997132
- http://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/611426842018/Vegas_Golden_Knights/2018/Primary_Logo
- http://www.t-mobilearena.com/arena-information/quick-facts
- https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-expansion-draft-rules/c-281010592
