Golden Knights' Initiatives Have Youth Hockey Growing In Nevada

Hockey in the desert.
It's a common misconception that hockey can't thrive in warmer climates, but if you look at the NHL standings, you'll see this just isn't the case.
Las Vegas has always subtly been a hockey hub for youth players. If you've played youth hockey on the West Coast at any level, you're familiar with weekend tournaments at City National Arena and other arenas in Las Vegas.
The Golden Knights knew the Valley was hungry for hockey, but they just needed a way to make it more accessible. Ice hockey is harder than some sports to get into, but there's many developmental layers to it. Street hockey is one of the best ways to make the sport available to all ages. Put a ball and stick in the hands of a kid and they can learn the fundamentals of the sport in a safe environment.
In February, the Golden Knights announced a partnership with the Clark County School District and NV Energy to bring ball/street hockey to all local middle schools. The support for the team in the community has been incredible and allowing kids to experience hockey for themselves is a priority for the Golden Knights. As part of an NHL Industry Growth Fund (IGF) initiative, the Golden Knights are providing hockey equipment and lesson plans to 63 middle schools across Clark County.

The Golden Knights have also launched the Learn to Play program. This program is a joint effort between the National Hockey League and the NHL Players Association to establish the gold standard of youth hockey development. The Learn to Play program provides head-to-toe equipment as part of the program fee. This eight-week program will be offered multiple times throughout the year and has been highly sought after at local rinks. In order to participate in Learn to Play, participants must have graduated from a structured Learn to Skate program.
The Vegas Golden Knights are currently offering a Learn to Skate scholarship program for families to help offset the cost and get kids engaged with minimal financial stress to the family.
As part of USA Hockey's Hockey Weekend Across America, the Golden Knights participated in the nationwide Try Hockey For Free Day on March 3. This was the second Try Hockey For Free event hosted by the Golden Knights. Fifty kids ages 4-9 piled onto the ice at City National Arena to give the sport a try. Kids tried their hand at hockey with hands-on assistance from the Golden Knights youth hockey development staff, City National Arena's skating academy as well as the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) hockey team. Boys and girls of all ages and experience level took to the ice to give hockey a try. There was some falling and there were some tears, but the pride in the children's eyes when they scored a goal for the first time or took the first few strides on their own outweighed the few seconds of defeat.
Another Hockey Weekend Across America component allowed the Golden Knights to honor and recognize two young officials from Las Vegas during their game against the Ottawa Senators on March 2. Hunter Ladd and Robert Purdy were nominated by USA Hockey for their commitment to the development of grassroots hockey in our market. They participated in a meet and greet with the NHL officiating crew and joined them on the ice for player warmup's and national anthems.
With guidance from senior manager of youth hockey Matt Flynn, the Golden Knights youth hockey program will continue to flourish. His previous experience with youth hockey development at the NHL level with the Washington Capitals and lifelong passion for the game is providing the perfect foundation for developing programs that will meet the needs of our community.
Youth hockey programs are the key drivers to solidify a rabid fan base and encourage inclusive participation in any market. Auston Matthews is the perfect example of this youth hockey movement. The 20-year-old who grew up in Arizona found his love for the sport by watching Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan give his all to the sport day in and day out. Being able to experience the game firsthand provides a different perspective and appreciation for what it takes to get to the next level, no matter the set of circumstances. Because of the strong youth hockey programs in a non-traditional market, Matthews was able to take his fascination with the sport and grow to be the number one pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
"The Vegas Golden Knights are committed to building the premier youth hockey development model to encourage and elicit growth and excitement at all age and skill levels," said Flynn.
You never know, maybe down the line a Vegas native could be selected first overall.