By Joel van der Veen
LAS VEGAS — As they took the ice for their home opener, the Vegas Golden Knights paid tribute to the men and women who answered the call during their city’s darkest hour.
The NHL team opened Tuesday’s game with a ceremony honouring the city of Las Vegas, the victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting, and the heroes who responded in the face of tragedy.
As each player skated onto the ice, one by one, they were joined by firefighters, police and health professionals.
First on the ice was Davidson native and Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb, who was accompanied by firefighter Ben Cole.
Speaking to the Leader on Thursday, McNabb said it was an emotional experience and a memorable way to open their first home game of the season.
“It definitely gave us energy,” he said. “It was a cool thing to be part of.”
The ceremony included 58 seconds of silence, in honour of the 58 people killed by a single gunman during a country music festival in Vegas on Oct. 1.
The victims’ names were projected on the ice during the ceremony, while survivors of the event participated in the puck drop at the game’s start.
Deryk Engelland, who played as McNabb’s defensive partner for the season’s first three games, paid tribute to Las Vegas on Tuesday.
“I met my wife here, my kids were born here, and I know how special this city is,” he said, adding later to the survivors of the victims, “We’ll do everything we can to help you and our city heal.”
The Knights were able to turn that emotional energy into a strong performance on the ice, racking up a 4-1 lead against the Arizona Coyotes in the first period. McNabb recorded an assist on the third goal, scored by James Neal.
The team carried that momentum through to the game’s end, taking a 5-2 victory.
McNabb, 26, is part of the lineup for the Knights’ inaugural season. The Knights are the NHL’s first expansion team in 17 years.
After three years with the Los Angeles Kings, McNabb was announced as one of the Knights’ initial draft picks in June of this year.
“There’s a bit of a transition phase,” he said Thursday. “I built a lot of good relationships while I was in LA.”
McNabb said the move has worked out well so far, with the Knights becoming the first expansion team to open their premiere season with a 3-0-0 record.
“We’re off to a good start, which makes it even better,” he said. “It’s a matter of being prepared for it, showing up every night and giving it your best effort.”
McNabb said he knew a couple of Davidson fans would be in attendance for the Knights’ next game on Oct. 13, when they were scheduled to host the Detroit Red Wings.
“I’m sure there’ll be lots scattered throughout the year,” said McNabb, adding that he appreciates the continued support from hometown fans.