Posted on 10/11/2017 1:36:15 PM PDT by xp38
The Vegas Golden Knights celebrated the victims and heroes of the Oct. 1 shooting that left 58 dead, introducing first responders and hospital workers to accompany them onto the ice during introductions, then projecting the names of each of the deceased before the game against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday.
The Golden Knights, prior to the first home game in their history, played a video honoring the city's first responders, who served the more than 500 injured and kept other attendees of the Route 91 Harvest Festival safe.
Tweet from @GoldenKnights: How we chose to honor the heroes that make Las Vegas everything it is. Our home. #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/E1YSyYxfyl
Vegas held a 58-second moment of silence, then had survivors of the event participate in the ceremonial puck drop. Deryk Engelland, a longtime Las Vegas resident and Golden Knights alternate captain, then addressed the crowd.
"Like all of you, I'm proud to call Las Vegas home," Engelland said. "I met my wife here; my kids were raised here, and I know how special this city is. To all the brave first responders that have worked tirelessly and courageously through this whole tragedy, we thank you. To the families and friends of the victims, know that we'll do everything we can to help you and our city heal.
"We are Vegas Strong."
Video: Engelland gives rousing speech to hometown fans
Seemingly buoyed by the emotional intro, the Golden Knights scored four first-period goals, including one from the hard-nosed defenseman Engelland, who had scored 22 goals in 471 NHL games prior.
Don’t look now, but the expansion Golden Knights are 3-0, thanks largely to Marc-Andre Fleury who has been standing on his head.
I’m sold on this team. Been a Rangers fan for over 50 years. Time for something different and three games in the Knights showed their character.
“Vegas Golden Knights”
Stupid generic nickname. But will work fine in wherever the franchise goes when the team transfers out of Las Vegas in a few years.
If Las Vegas can support an NHL team great. I have my doubts. The major Canadian cities - Quebec City obviously - for example Hamilton and maybe even Halifax should all get teams before these southern US cities with no organic interest in the game.
NHL always looking for a quick buck, don’t care about diluting the talent and wrecking the league heritage.
Toronto area could easily support another team (Hamilton, or Toronto itself), or maybe just a new one to replace the embarrassment known as the Maple Leafs.
Yes I watched this last night and for some reason it was a bit dusty in my living room. What a beautiful ceremony.
For some reason I don’t envision anyone taking a knee for this one.
I am actually happy they are there. I live north of Portland Oregon in Vancouver Washington. I am a Penguins fan (and to a lesser extent, a Canadians fan). Being able to catch a flight for less than $200, visit Vegas and catch a hockey game seems like a good little vacation.
Not saying you are wrong. Just hoping you are.
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