Although the NHL is stuck in Phase Two of their Return to Sport Plan, the Vegas Golden Knights have kept busy. Before we know it, hockey will be back, but until then, here's what the Golden Knights have been up to.
Hub City, Schmub City:
Phase Two Skates:
In the most recent edition, there were six forwards, four defensemen, and a goaltender. Paul Stastny, Max Pacioretty, and Mark Stone wore (typically) first-line white jerseys while Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, and Ryan Reaves donned the second line maroon. Shea Theodore headlined the group of defensemen. Jon Merrill, Nick Holden, and Deryk Engelland also participated, with Marc-Andre Fleury in goal.
Once Phase Three is initiated, coaches will come in and a more formal training camp would start. The players taking advantage of the Phase Two allowances may very well have a leg up on the others, once everyone returns. Currently, the NHL reports a mere 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of 396 players returning to the ice.
Jiri Patera Signing:
For my money, Patera was the best looking goalie in Development Camp last summer. He's a guy to keep an eye on. While many are a fan of Oscar Dansk, Patera could be the goalie of the future. He's gone from a sixth round pick, to a Goalie of the Year award, and now inked an ELC. He's definitely moving in the right direction.
Jack Daniels Happy Hour:
There hasn't been a more Vegas promotion than this one. Social Media and alcohol are two pillars of 'The Strip' and the Golden Knights brought them to the fans. Below is the JDSB Old Fashioned recipe, for those interested.
JDSB Old Fashioned: Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, Navel Orange, Angostura Bitters, and Real Maple Syrup.
Topping Off Ceremony:
A topping off party is typical in construction when the last piece of structural steel is set. Due to COVID-19, the workers were unable to do much. In typical Golden Knights fashion, the organization went above and beyond, throwing a party with nice giveaways for the contracted workers. Shirts, VGK branded wine, and other gifts were given.
A larger presence is being formed in Henderson. By the time the AHL season starts, the Silver Knights will be fully engrained in the community. Merchandise has already been flying off the shelves for the team who will play one season in Las Vegas (Orleans Arena) before moving fully to Henderson.
Chance Mask Tee Shirts:
Coinciding with this, the Golden Knights ran a fun promotional shirt featuring their mascot Chance the Gila Monster. Each shirt available for purchase read "Don't Take a Chance" and featured Chance in a blue surgical mask. Proceeds benefited the Vegas Golden Knights (Charity) Foundation. Shirts can be purchased by texting "CHANCE" to 76278.
Each week I will recap the past week of Golden Knights fun. Head over to Twitter to catch me in between those articles.