History Of Hockey In Las Vegas
If you think of Las Vegas, you probably think of casinos, bright lights and entertainment. However, in recent years, the city has added a new form of entertainment for the locals and tourists - professional hockey. Yes, Las Vegas now has its very own NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights. But how did hockey come to be a part of the city's culture? Let's explore the history of hockey in Las Vegas in this article.
Early Days of Hockey in Las Vegas
The history of hockey in Las Vegas goes back to the early 1990s when it was still a small desert town. The first organized youth hockey program was started in 1993, which paved the way for the growth of the sport in the city. Around the same time, the Thomas & Mack Center, the main arena for UNLV sports, began hosting minor league hockey games. This gave hockey fans a chance to watch live games in person, which only increased their passion for the sport.
Las Vegas Thunder
In 1993, Las Vegas got its first professional hockey team, the Las Vegas Thunder. The team played in the now-defunct International Hockey League (IHL). The Thunder's arrival created a buzz in the city, and fans were enthusiastic about watching professional hockey in their hometown. The team played at the Thomas & Mack Center and was a hit with the locals. They even made it to the IHL finals twice but unfortunately never won the championship. The team played their last game in 1999 and folded due to financial troubles.
Las Vegas Wranglers
After the Thunder left, it took a few years for another minor league team to come to Las Vegas. In 2003, the Las Vegas Wranglers were founded and played in the ECHL, a lower-tier professional league. The Wranglers played at the Orleans Arena, a venue that was specifically built for them. They quickly developed a fan following and were known for their unique promotions and fan engagement. They played their last game in 2014, as the team's ownership decided to cease operations.
Vegas Golden Knights
Finally, in 2017, Las Vegas got its first NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights. The team's arrival in the city was met with excitement and skepticism. Many people didn't think that a professional hockey team would work in Las Vegas, considering it's a desert city with no prior history of ice hockey. However, the team proved everyone wrong by making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. The Golden Knights play at the T-Mobile Arena, a state-of-the-art arena located on the Las Vegas Strip. With their success and growing fan base, it's clear that hockey has found a permanent home in Las Vegas.
Conclusion
The history of hockey in Las Vegas might be short, but it's filled with passion and excitement. From humble beginnings with youth hockey programs to now having a professional NHL team, the sport has come a long way in the city. The Vegas Golden Knights have not only made a name for themselves in the NHL but also helped establish Las Vegas as a legitimate hockey town. With that, the future looks bright for hockey in Las Vegas, and it will be interesting to see what comes next.