The Vegas Golden Knights are the early candidate for team and story of the year based on their unreal 8-3-0 start that has propelled them to second overall in the Pacific Division.
The team’s strong start was unexpected, but it’s created a great amount of hype for an expansion club trying to build up its brand in a non-traditional hockey market out in a desert.
According to ESPN’s NHL Attendance Report, the Golden Knights are averaging 17,815 fans per game, the 16th highest most in the entire league. The team has seen a total of 124,708 fans into T-Mobile Arena so far by selling out every single game.
In an effort to reach as many audiences and demographics as they can, the team has launched a unique initiative called the VGK University Sessions, with a goal of teaching the fine principals of hockey to those new to the game.
Former NHLer and current Golden Knights Senior Vice President Murray Craven will teach game strategies, special team approaches and coaching sessions along with Misha Donskov, Director of Hockey Operations for the club.
For $495, fans will be given a five-game package that will include a VGK University Session, a optional skate prior to the instructional session, and a ticket to a Golden Knights game. Season ticket holders can purchase the five-session pack for $250.
Proceeds of every package sold will be donated to the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation. The foundation has played a key role in donating those effected by the tragic Vegas shootings that took the lives of 59 civilians and left over 540 injured at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on October 1st.
This is a great idea that will only help grow the game of hockey in Sin City. While the price certainly isn’t cheap, the instructors are well-educated polished, and it’s good to see a portion of the fees go to those in need.We've seen some teams in the past hold analytics conferences that break down the intricacies of the game, but this seems to be much more rudimentary and instructional.
