The Golden Knights observed a moment of silence for 58 seconds – one for each victim – before Canadian defenseman Derek Engelland, who has actually lived in Vegas for 14 years, delivered an emotional speech. It also lasted exactly 58 seconds.
“Like all of you, I'm proud to call Las Vegas my home,” he began as the spotlight shined on him on the ice, in front of a crowd of 18,000 people.
“I met my wife here. Our children were born here. I know how important this city is.
“To all the brave first responders who worked tirelessly and courageously throughout this entire tragedy, we thank you.
“To the families and friends of the victims, we will do everything we can to help you and our city heal. We are Vegas strong.”
England said afterward that he had probably never spoken to “more than 20 men at a time.” Regardless, it was the team talk that summed up the city's sentiment.
“It was astonishing for a guy who was generally so shy in his demeanor,” Bubolz said. “During the moment of silence, I could hear people breathing. That will always stick with me, how strange that was.”
The Golden Knights then scored four goals in the first 10 minutes, the second a rare effort from England.
“It was a magical moment,” Bubolz said.
“For those three hours, people got away from the mass killing that happened literally down the road and just enjoyed playing hockey, even if they had never been to a game before.”
The Golden Knights went 5-2 and won eight of their first nine games, restoring some of the excitement the franchise had been building before the tragedy.
Having been founded in Vegas rather than relocating elsewhere, they've made Vegas Born their “DNA statement,” tapping into the pride felt by those who've been in the city since before the boomers.
They also gave away free jerseys to all 14,000 season ticket members, which led to retail sales being “off the chart” as everyone in the city saw the jerseys and wanted to be a part of it, especially as the team kept winning.
“Something really unique and special happened, and the bond formed very quickly,” Bubolz says. “In a strange way, tragedy brought us together. In desperation, a connection happened, and people fell in love with these players.”
At the Golden Knights' final home game of the regular season, they unfurled a banner with Vegas Strong, 58 stars and the names of the victims. They also retired the No. 58 jersey.
Not only did the team have an unexpected appearance in the playoffs, but they continued their impressive run to the Stanley Cup Finals, losing 4-1 to Washington in a best-of-seven series.
At the end of the first season, Engelland won the NHL Leadership Award, and not just for his speech. He and his wife, Melissa, invited people affected by the shooting to home games throughout the season, where they met and thanked each guest.
“No matter what I do in my career,” he said, [that speech] “It will probably be the biggest moment of my hockey career.”
