Remembering October 1st, 2017
Exactly 8 years ago from today, the Vegas Golden Knights were about to kick off their inaugural season as a franchise. They played a preseason matchup between the San Jose Sharks. However, moments after the game, the darkest day in Vegas’ history struck the city. A gunman opened fire from the Mandalay Bay hotel on a crowd that was attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival. The gunman tragically killed 58 people and then proceeded to take his own life.
With the city of Vegas mourning and remembering the loss of their fellow neighbors, the Golden Knights pledged to help the city rebuild and keep Vegas Strong.
The organization immediately participated in blood donations, charity events, and became heavily involved in the community to help heal the locals of Vegas.
In their inaugural home opener against the Arizona Coyotes, the Knights honored the first responders and the victims of October 1st. Defenseman and Vegas local of the Golden Knights Derek England gave a speech just before puck drop, saying he loves to call Vegas his home and promised that he and the Knights will do everything they can to help the city heal. He ended his speech with the mantra the city rallied around “We are Vegas strong.”
In April of their inaugural season, after the Golden Knights clinched the Pacific Division title, the organization decided to retire the number 58 in memory of the 58 victims of the shooting. The Golden Knights created a customized “Vegas Strong” banner that features the names of all the victims, 58 stars, and the date of the tragedy.
The banner serves not only as a tribute to the victims but also as a symbol of the strength and courage demonstrated by the Las Vegas community in the face of adversity.
(Twitter Post)
During today’s morning skate, original misfit William Karlsson, who has been with Vegas since day one, reflects on October 1st.
In the first TV timeout between the Golden Knights and Avalanche, the Golden Knights pledge to donate $1,000,000 to the Forever One Memorial. It will be a permanent monument to honor the 58 lives lost, their families, and all of the first responders on the night of 1 October. The site will be located on the festival grounds of Reno Ave. and Giles St.
Colorado Avalanche Vs Golden Knights
The Golden Knights (2-3) face off against the Colorado Avalanche (4-0) for the second time in less than 24 hours. The Avalanche remain undefeated in the preseason after defeating the Golden Knights 4-2, with four different players contributing to the score for Colorado.
In todays game, the scoring opened when Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog fired a wrist shot that beat goalie Akira Schmid on the glove side, putting Colorado up 1-0 in the first period.
No goals were scored in the 2nd period but 5:30 into the 3rd period, the Golden Knights tie the game from a shot by Brayden McNabb from the point deflects in off Brett Howden.
Nine minutes later, a hard-fought play by Reilly Smith behind the Colorado Avalanche net changed the game. Smith stripped the puck from the Colorado defense and centered it in front of the net, where he found the original misfit, William Karlsson. Karlsson scored, making it 2-1 and securing the game-winning goal.
On a night of remembrance, it is fitting that the player who has been a Knight and helping the community since day one, scores the game-winning goal, securing the Golden Knights’ third victory of the preseason.
Akira Schmid delivered a strong performance, stopping 21 of 22 shots from the Avalanche and achieving a save percentage of .955, earning him the title of the game’s third star. With rumors swirling about the Golden Knights potentially acquiring Carter Hart as a backup for Adin Hill, Akira is competing hard for that second spot on the bench.
The Golden Knights will be back in T-Mobile Arena this Friday to take on the San Jose Sharks for the third time this pre season.
Attendance at T-Mobile: 17,409
