Success of the Golden Knights Has Contributed to the Growth of Youth Hockey in Las Vegas

The Vegas Golden Knights’ on-ice success in the NHL is driving increased interest in youth hockey across the Mojave Desert, with more children participating and families organizing their schedules around the sport.

With eight playoff appearances in nine years, including three Stanley Cup Final berths, the Golden Knights have helped establish Las Vegas as a hockey town, further raising the city’s profile in major league hockey like the NHL. Since their arrival, families report significant growth in youth participation.

At City National Arena, young players Andrew Nussbaum and his brother Jack, inspired by the Golden Knights, are new to hockey. Andrew reports steady progress in his skating lessons and confirms he can now skate backward. Notably, their journey into the sport was fueled by a love for watching exciting NHL games together.

Girls’ hockey is also expanding. Lauren Hopp, a participant in the growing youth leagues, says she enjoys the sport’s physicality, and she dreams of one day playing professional hockey herself in the NHL.

Hopp hopes hockey may one day lead to a college scholarship. “I thought I’d be a dancer, but a, something like this, I never thought I’d play this type of sport,” she said. It is interesting to note that many young athletes now look up to NHL players as role models.

Her mother, Nicole, did not expect to become a hockey parent but now embraces the role. “I figured I would be the stereotypical soccer mom driving a minivan but hockey, it’s so much fun,” she said. The excitement of NHL games has changed her perspective on youth sports.

The youth hockey boom is also benefiting the Las Vegas sports economy, as frequent tournaments attract teams from outside Nevada. Feldman notes the arena hosts tournaments nearly every weekend. The influence of the NHL extends beyond just the athletes and families, reaching far into the local sporting community.

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