The players served lunch to over 1,000 people at the event and brought smiles to some of Southern Nevada's most vulnerable men, women and children, many of whom thanked the players and the organization for such a successful first season.
Nick Campoli, a 2017 sixth round draft pick of the Golden Knights, admired the drive of those in attendance who do what they can to provide for themselves and their families.
"They're doing whatever they can to help themselves live," Campoli said. "They're doing what they can every day to keep moving forward."
Whether it was setting up trays with food, carrying trays to tables or clearing tables, the team came together with other volunteers to bring help out community members in need. The scene was a welcome sight for Deacon Tom Roberts, President and Chief Executive Office of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.
"It's so wonderful that the organization is so community-minded and, before the guys get on the ice, they come down and give back a little," Roberts said. "This is probably the closest that most of our clients are ever going to get to a live hockey event."
Following the events of 1 October, the Golden Knights became a central point of belief in positivity, and the team's activity on and off the ice is something that Roberts thinks helped the community heal and move forward.
"Catholic Charities is all about providing help and hope," Roberts said. "What the Golden Knights stand for, certainly in Las Vegas, is an amazing team that gave us all great hope, especially after the tragedy of 1 October."
Roberts also appreciates the strength that the people of Vegas have and how the Golden Knights helped everyone involved to find strength and hope in their lives.
Jake Leschyshyn, a 2017 second round draft pick, was excited to start his second development camp at Catholic Charities where he and his fellow prospects started camp last season.
"You see how the community rallied around this team during the season so I think it's the least we can do right now just to give back," Leschyshyn said.
As the team has been active in the community since its founding, getting the younger players into the community right from the start is something the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities, Steve Schmitt, sees as something of tremendous growth for the young men in the organization.
"It shows them how important service is and how vulnerable so many in our community can be," Schmitt said. "It's important for them to see that part of the community because part of being a professional hockey player may make you a bit desensitized to it, but this at least opens their hearts to know these people are out here."
