Some big developments are taking place in Las Vegas, as this week will see the NHL have a bigger presence in the city.
Over the weekend, Las Vegas will host the Los Angeles Kings as part of the annual Frozen Fury. Making this year’s pair of preseason games more notable is the fact that they are first NHL contests at T-Mobile Arena, which will be the home of Las Vegas’ expansion franchise beginning next year.
For the Kings, this trip to Las Vegas is made all the more notable by the arrival of T-Mobile Arena. More from the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
Center Tyler Toffoli, who has played in the annual Las Vegas preseason game in each of the past three years at the MGM Grand Garden, said moving across the street shouldn’t present any problems.
“It’s going to be fun,” Toffoli said. “I’m anxious to see the building. I hear it’s beautiful.”
“It’s always a good atmosphere when we come to Vegas,” Toffoli said. “The fans are into it, and it’s a great way to kick off the season.”
The Kings will kick off the Frozen Fury by hosting the Dallas Stars on October 7, followed by the Colorado Avalanche on October 8.
Earlier this week, Las Vegas NHL owner Bill Foley joined Clark County officials and other dignitaries in a groundbreaking ceremony for the team’s new practice facility. The facility has been expected to be fairly extensive in its own right, with two rinks planned, along with modern training facilities and a team merchandise store.
During the ceremony, Foley emphasized the role that the facility could play in the community. More from the Las Vegas Sun:
Located near Pavilion Center Drive and Griffith Peak Drive, the 120,000-square-foot facility will include two full sheets of ice that will service not only Vegas’ first major professional sports team but also local youth and adult leagues. About 200 people turned out for the event, adding further proof, Foley said, that Vegas is ready for hockey.
“It’s a confirmation of the level of support we have here in Las Vegas for this (team),” Foley said.
The next development around the corner for the Las Vegas NHL franchise is the announcement of a new name. According to Sun, Foley told reporters that a name, logo, and color scheme will be unveiled at an event on November 19.
