LosVGK: Growing the Game in Mexico

The Golden Knights organization visited Mexico to host hockey clinics and fan activations during the second "LosVGK en México" trip from Sept. 6-11 in Mexico City and Metepec. Two local youth clubs, Club Osos Coyoacan and Club Buffalos Metepec, were invited to participate in the on-ice classes and activations. In total, the trip featured about 300 participants. Golden Knights Director of Coaching & Instructor Programming Brian Salcido, VGK alum Deryk Engelland, and members of the Knights Guard led the on-ice clinics throughout the week.

During the trip, relationships were built and extended beyond the ice. Ben Thomas, Golden Knights Director of Cultural Marketing and Outreach, said the response from players and families throughout the visit demonstrated the enthusiasm surrounding the game in Mexico.

"The excitement and hospitality were unreal," Thomas said. "The players were so excited and gave 110% on the ice, while the families and parents that we interacted with were so welcoming and made us feel right at home."

In 2024, LosVGK visited Metepec, Estado de México and Monterrey, Nuevo Leon to begin the relationship and help build the expansion of hockey worldwide. Thomas said the organization has seen noticeable growth since its first visit to Mexico, both in the enthusiasm surrounding the sport and the development of skills in young players.

"There is a passion and an excitement for the game and the Golden Knights out there that has only been growing," he said. "I think we're always pleasantly surprised to see the skill level of these players improving as well. Hockey in Mexico is only getting better by the year."

In October 2023, the Golden Knights launched the LosVGK brand, expanding the Hispanic and Latin American fanbase for the organization, both within Southern Nevada and around the world. LosVGK strives to cultivate the game of hockey in Spanish-speaking communities by hosting ball hockey clinics in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods throughout Las Vegas, creating inclusive events, broadcasts and merchandise.

In April 2024, the organization worked with local artists and Downtown Las Vegas to create more visibility for Hispanic communities through a mural in the Arts District. For Thomas, the connection between Las Vegas and Mexico makes the organization's outreach especially meaningful.

"Mexico and Vegas have deep ties," Thomas said. "Many residents in our community are of Mexican heritage, and a lot of us, myself included, still have family in Mexico. So, that outreach is something that transcends borders."

LosVGK has supported youth teams across Mexico since its inception. Last season, the Golden Knights featured Club Osos and Club Buffalo during the Mites-at-Knight intermission game on Noche de Los VGK at T-Mobile Arena. The Buffalos also had the opportunity to participate in a series of clinics and skill work sessions at City National Arena before their debut on NHL ice.

The relationship with both clubs will continue beyond the latest trip. As part of the next phase of the organization's outreach, Club Osos and Club Buffalos have been invited to participate in Academia VGK, which will provide additional coaching resources and fan engagement opportunities during the year through an online program.

"The key difference with Mexico is, of course, the distance, but also that we've gotten to work with these groups for almost two years now," Thomas said. "Building on that, we've invited both clubs to participate in our Academia VGK program where we'll be providing additional coaching resources and fan engagement opportunities throughout the season."

The organization has created numerous resources and events to help the Vegas franchise reach a brand new audience. In 2024, LosVGK launched a Spanish-language Golden Knights website to expand content distribution to the Hispanic and Latin American communities. LosVGK has hosted events such as the Amerigol LATAM Spring Classic, a four-day event that brought together men's and women's national teams from Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Puerto Rico for a tournament at America First Center in 2025.

For Thomas, there are parallels between the emerging hockey community in Mexico and the growth of hockey shown in Southern Nevada following the Golden Knights arrival.

"I compare it to Vegas, where there was a relatively tiny hockey community prior to 2017 before VGK arrived and now we have thousands of kids and adults playing hockey and even more who are passionate about the sport," Thomas said. "It'll take time to get there, but through these kinds of youth clinics and fan development activities we can help play our part in that growth."

The Golden Knights and LosVGK have also strived to make different forms of hockey accessible to under-served communities. The organization donated 13 hockey sleds to the Urban Hockey Foundation for players with mobility impairments, and in addition, introduced Cascaritas, an informal pick-up game from Latin America, for families, friends, and neighbors to play ball hockey together, with all equipment provided.

Thomas explained that accessibility is central to the future of LosVGK, whether that is through introductory hockey programs or Spanish-language content.

"My hope is that LosVGK can continue to make hockey accessible whether it’s through more introductory ball hockey programs like our free-to-play Cascaritas and on-ice clinics or simply by providing more unique Spanish-language content for fans to enjoy the Golden Knights in Spanish," Thomas said.