It's been 16 days and seven postponed Vegas Golden Knights games since NHL commissioner Gary Bettman put the NHL season on pause due to COVID-19. But, lordy, it seems longer than that.
Our world has changed and hopefully it's temporary. The physical, emotional and economic suffering people are going through is real and traumatic. A return to normalcy is everyone's hope.
Checking In From the VGK Universe
Golden Knights Organization Stays Positive During Pause
Staying positive has been a major focus for the Golden Knights organization. There's also a priority to stay busy and relevant. We're working. The business team is planning for life after the pause. Sponsorship and ticketing possibilities are endless.
Hockey operations needs to be in a position to go from 0 to 60 the minute this pause is lifted.
Players are rehabbing and working on fitness. Coaches are planning for a return, dealing with all kinds of potential scenarios and opponents.
The scouting staff, both professional and amateur, have continued their work through video. The draft and free agency will take place at some point in time and the organization must be prepared for when the switch gets flipped.
Our content team has been busy. The challenge has been to keep our fanbase engaged despite the absence of games being played. After lots of planning sessions via conference call a robust menu of content offerings is now available:
Knights Report
SLGND podcasts
Twitch streams
VGK Fit Challenge
VGK Book Club
Vlogs
Instagram Lives
VGK replays on AT&T SportsNet
Play of the Day:
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VGK Play of the Day: Marchessault Wins It In Overtime
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VGK Play of the Day: Marchessault Scores Three Straight at NJD
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VGK Play of the Day: Lehner's First Shutout In Vegas
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VGK Play of the Day: Stone's End-To-End Rush in Florida
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VGK Play of the Day: Vegas Claws Back To Beat St. Louis
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VGK Play of the Day: Fleury Saves The Game In Overtime
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VGK Play of the Day: Martinez's First as a Golden Knight
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VGK Play of the Day: Pacioretty Ties It With .3 To Go
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VGK Play of the Day: Theodore Dances Through The Oilers
Columns and stories:
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Chat with George McPhee
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Whitecloud earns his VGK keep
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Hockey Community Takes Center Stage
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Dear Hockey Fans
Broadcaster Best Moments:
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Best Moments With Players
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Best On-Ice Moments
Leadership has been focused on a message of positivity. Working from home can be difficult and there's uncertainty in all walks of life these days.
Team President Kerry Bubolz has been working on his poetry skills in an effort to communicate with the entire staff and to try and keep spirits lifted. Every other day or so a new poem arrives in our inboxes with the total now having reached nine. Here's an example:
Telecommuting Poem-Number 4Today is day 4 of telecommuting and I am getting used to communicating and working with Microsoft Teams… It will never replace face to face business communication and interactions for me it seems!
My agenda for this Thursday included an important discussion with Todd Pollock on all things ticket sales… the best way to stay ahead of the game during challenging times is to stay positive and focus on the details!!
We will televise Game 2 tonight of our Golden Knights re-airs as we battle those darn San Jose Sharks… Even though we know the winning score, I am sure the victory won't be a walk in the park!!!
I will end each poem with a reference to our Knights Code in jest… We "Ignore the Naysayers" in our decision making and just focus on doing what's best!!!!
Go Knights Go.
Kerry
For the Golden Knights organization, having no games to put on is a strain in all areas. Comparatively, however, our stress is minor when viewed in the same lens as those who are sick, medical personnel and all essential service providers who are working long hours under trying conditions.
We hope we can provide a helpful and welcome distraction during these days of social distancing. We'll be ready to put on a show once we can all get back to the rink. Stay safe and stay healthy.
