By Connor Denkin
Professional hockey is coming to Las Vegas and students are excited.
In a recent informal poll conducted Feb. 22 at College of Southern Nevada’s North Las Vegas campus, 67 out of 100 students said they plan to support the Vegas Golden Knights’ franchise during its first season as part of the National Hockey League. The Golden Knights will be in the Pacific Division and the 15th team in the Western Conference.
“Honestly I am happy they are coming,” said Gaspar Gonzalez, CSN student. “With this team, it opens the door for other professional sports teams to come. I am really happy to have a hockey team.”
“I believe our students along with the Vegas community is excited to have a professional franchise,” CSN’s Sports Information Director Andrew Farrar said. “Las Vegas is a great sports town and a professional sports franchise takes Las Vegas to that next level. With the Vegas Golden Knights, they will always have a special place in Las Vegas because they are the first pro sports team in the City.”
“It is part of the evolution and identity of a city to have professional sports teams,” CSN’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dexter Irvin said. “Look at what has happened in Phoenix and other places.”
Irvin thinks the new team can have a positive effect. “I believe they can and I hope they will. Live hockey is awesome and hopefully they get involved and give back.”
The NHL draft will take place soon. “The Golden Knights will have to entirely stock a roster this summer,” as written by Dan Marrazza, in an article on NHL’s website. General Manager George McPhee will select 30 players—one from each franchise—by June 21, according to NHL expansion rules.
The Golden Knights will call the new T-Mobile Arena its home where it will play 41 of its 82 games. This is great news for locals and students looking forward to the upcoming season.
Coyote Student News at the College of Southern Nevada 