If you still believe that “hockey cannot work in the desert,” maybe this will change your mind. This past week, just after the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a spot in the NHL playoffs for their seventh time in franchise history, the possibilities of the future of hockey in Las Vegas grew even bigger as Derek Stevens, CEO/Owner of Circa Resort & Casino Las Vegas, made a very generous donation to the Lil’ Knights youth hockey program.
During the first intermission of the Golden Knights game against Winnipeg, fans seated across T-Mobile Arena watched in awe as Stevens appeared on the Golden Knights bench. Mites at Knight, presented by AAA, honored him. Stevens then surprised the crowd by gifting his eighth $100,000 check to the Lil’ Knights youth hockey program. Stevens holds a deep passion for sports and the unity it creates for everyone, players and fans alike, and he remains dedicated to supporting the growth of hockey throughout the Southern Nevada area. The surprises kept coming, as the Lil’ Knights organization gifted Stevens a team-autographed jersey as a thank-you for his ongoing support.
Circa Sports serves as the organization’s first official jersey entitlement partnership, further showcasing Stevens’ support of hockey in the Valley. I mean, who wouldn’t want to watch Las Vegas’ hottest sports team from the world’s largest sportsbook, right?
Youth hockey has completely picked up with the success of the Golden Knights, and Stevens has played a significant role in shaping what the future of it can look like for these players. Since the start of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, youth hockey participation in the state of Nevada has seen upwards of a 400% increase. Players 8-and-under, including members of the Lil’ Knights, have seen an even more significant increase of almost 700%, according to USA Hockey.
Stevens shares, “We are proud to have supported the Lil Knights since the inception of the VGK Youth Hockey program. The Lil Knights program has been a wonderful development for the Las Vegas community, and we are happy to have been helpful through the years.”
The programs’ growth and success have been significantly impacted by Stevens’ contributions, now totaling $800,000. The Lil’ Knights Cross-Ice Program is designed for young players to learn and improve on the four basic skills of hockey: skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting.
Participants receive one practice session and one 4-on-4 game session, played on half the ice sheet for age-appropriate player development. Offered at City National Arena, America First Center, and Hylo Park Ice Arena, Lil’ Knights prepares players for the next step in their hockey journey, typically house league.
