Established
2017
City
Las Vegas
League History
2017 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
2017 – Present / Vegas Golden Knights
Nickname
Golden Knights – The Vegas Golden Knights have become one of the most beloved teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) since their debut in 2017. The team has already made a deep playoff run, and fans are eager to see what else they can accomplish. But where did their name come from? Let’s look at how this unique nickname was created for Sin City's first major professional sports franchise.
It all began with owner Bill Foley’s vision for an exciting hockey experience to unite people and honor Las Vegas' rich military history. He chose “Golden Knights” as his team name because it symbolized strength, courage, and power – values he wanted his players to embody on the ice each night.
Additionally, he felt it represented Las Vegas perfectly: golden represented its vibrant energy. At the same time, knights signified protecting those who live there or visit worldwide, seeking entertainment within its bright lights and casinos.
Foley also drew inspiration from the U.S Army Parachute Team ‘The Golden Knights,' based out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina - home state to many staff members, including General Manager George McPhee himself.
However, His connection with them gave him even more motivation behind picking such an iconic moniker, one that could represent both America's proud military tradition and give back something special to those who serve our country every day by offering free tickets throughout seasons past & present!
Overall, we can say that Foley successfully created a powerful brand identity through this choice—one that resonates with locals and visitors alike when cheering on their hometown heroes at T-Mobile Arena each game night!
So, next time you hear someone talking about "Vegas Strong" or see any reference explicitly related to The Golden Knight's logo/name... remember how much thought went into making sure everyone knew exactly what kind of legacy these guys were aiming for when they took flight onto NHL ice surfaces everywhere.
Championship
Stanley Cup 1
2023
Arena
2017 – Present / T-Mobile Arena
Owner
2017 – Present / Bill Foley
- 2014
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2016
- 2023
-
Rumors of Hockey in Vegas
Rumors of a Las Vegas expansion team surfaced again in August 2014, prospecting a new indoor arena on the Strip (built as a joint venture between Anschutz Entertainment Group, owners of the Los Angeles Kings, and MGM Resorts International) as the potential home arena. The Vancouver newspaper The Province reported that a Las Vegas team was a “done deal”, but ... -
Season Ticket Drive
On December 8, 2014, following a meeting with the NHL’s board of governors, commissioner Gary Bettman announced that he would not object to Foley holding a season-ticket drive to gauge interest in a Las Vegas team, indicating the possibility that the league may actually consider a Las Vegas team. However, Bettman also warned the media to “[not] make more out ... -
NHL Open for Expansion
On June 24, 2015, the league officially opened up the window for prospective owners to bid on expansion teams. By this point, Foley had secured more than 13,200 season-ticket deposits for the arena. Bettman expressed the league’s intrigue of expanding into such a non-traditional market, especially in the wake of Foley’s ticket drive, but warned that the NHL wanted to ... -
Vegas Won Expansion bid
Leading into the league owners’ meetings and the NHL Awards ceremony held on June 22, 2016, the Associated Press reported that Las Vegas had won an expansion bid and that terms for the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft were being finalized. During a press conference later that day, Gary Bettman officially announced that the expansion franchise had been awarded to Las ... -
Naming – Vegas Golden Knights
Foley’s original preferred name for the proposed team was the “Las Vegas Black Knights”—in tribute to the Army Black Knights, his alma mater. When he hired McPhee, Foley stated that he was working with the league to determine a suitable brand for the team, but that “it may not be until September that we have our name and logo. But ... -
Vegas Over Powers the Panthers for the Stanley Cup
The 2023 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 2022–23 season and the culmination of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. The series was contested between the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers and the Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas won the best-of-seven series, four games to one, to earn their first championship in ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights have had a remarkable run since joining the NHL in 2017. They are the first central professional sports team to be based in Las Vegas, and their inaugural season was an unprecedented success for an expansion franchise, marked by a notable rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche.
The Golden Knights finished with 109 points and won the Pacific Division title, becoming the third team to win its division in its first year of existence. In addition, they went on an incredible playoff run that saw them reach Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final before eventually falling short against the Washington Capitals.
What made this story even more impressive is how quickly it all came together for Vegas after being awarded a franchise by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in June 2016. General Manager George McPhee put together a roster filled with experienced veterans such as Marc-Andre Fleury and James Neal.
Also adding young stars like Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson through trades or free agency signings during their expansion draft process leading up to opening night against Dallas Stars on October 6th, 2017.
This combination proved successful as many players exceeded expectations throughout regular season play. It led them into playoffs where they became only fourth modern-era expansion team.
Since 1967, to make it past round two when defeating Winnipeg Jets 4 games 2 series victory over Western Conference Finals setting up historic final appearance versus Washington Capitals. They ultimately defeated VGK 4 games 1 series loss ending magical inaugural campaign but not without leaving lasting impression across league & hockey world alike.
Finally, what makes these accomplishments even more remarkable is that they were achieved under unique circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It forced the entire league to pause last start of the 2020 playoffs meaning no preseason or training camps.
Despite a lack of preparation, they still managed to capture hearts of fans everywhere including those who call Las Vegas home making Golden Knights most beloved teams city’s history thanks extraordinary effort from front office staff players coaches alike proving once again anything possible if you believe!
Sports Fan Products
Explore the Remarkable History of Vegas Golden Knights
Explore the captivating history of the Vegas Golden Knights! Join us as we delve into the triumphs, challenges, and iconic moments that have shaped this legendary team. From their humble beginnings to their rise as a dominant force in the NHL, immerse yourself in the unparalleled legacy of the Vegas Golden Knights. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply curious about sports history, this documentary-style exploration promises to uncover the essence of what makes the Golden Knights a team like no other. 🏒
Retired Number
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history