Hockey participation has grown by nearly 200% in the state of Nevada since the Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural season in 2017-18, and participation among key groups like 8-and-under players and girls and women has grown at an even faster pace. The events surrounding All-Star Weekend will feature some of those new young players and introduce even more boys and girls to the sport. They will take place at a variety of locations across the Las Vegas Valley, on- and off-ice, and will feature boys and girls from the area and beyond.
"The explosion of youth hockey across the state of Nevada is exciting to see," said Vegas President and Co-CEO Kerry Bubolz. "It is a top priority of our organization to expose as many kids as possible to our great game. All-Star Weekend is a fitting time to celebrate that growth and spark further interest in hockey, and we appreciate the help of the NHL and our partners to make that happen."
The youth hockey events include (listed chronologically):
NHLPA/Heroes United Hockey Event
When: Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6:10 p.m.
Where: City National Arena
What: Heroes United Hockey - a police-led initiative to benefit underserved youth - and the NHLPA are teaming up to host players and donate tickets to the NHL All-Star Weekend. Former Vegas Golden Knight Deryk Engelland will be in attendance.
NHL Street Showcase at Fan Fair
When: Thursday, Feb. 3, through Sunday, Feb 6
Where: NHL Fan Fair, Las Vegas Convention Center
What: More than 350 boys and girls will compete in a four-day street hockey tournament held in conjunction with NHL Fan Fair. The 32 teams in the tournament will each represent a different NHL club. Teams include players from the Vegas Junior Golden Knights, Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights House Leagues, Clark County School District Schools and Heroes United Hockey.
Girls Hockey Celebration
When: Thursday, Feb. 3, 6:10 to 7:10 p.m.
Where: City National Arena
What: The Vegas Junior Golden Knights Girls 10U and 12U teams have invited girls players and coaches in town for the NHL All-Star Weekend to join them on the ice for a celebration of girls and women's hockey. Participants will take part in a skills competition and receive a video greeting from members of the U.S. Women's Olympic Team.
Enterprise / NHL Street Ball Hockey Clinic
When: Friday, Feb. 4, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Lifeguard Arena
What: Hundreds of preregistered boys and girls from Henderson and the surrounding area will be introduced to hockey at this ball hockey clinic and NHL All-Star Skills watch party held outside Lifeguard Arena. Vegas Golden Knights television and radio host Daren Millard will emcee the event, which will also include VGK analyst and NHL alumnus Darren Eliot and NHL alumnus Jamal Mayers.
Reno 8U Games
When: Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 a.m. each day
Where: Lifeguard Arena
What: A pair of 8-and-under teams from Reno are visiting Vegas for the weekend and will face off at Lifeguard Arena on consecutive mornings versus two 8U Vegas teams.
NHL Learn to Play Jamboree
When: Saturday, Feb. 5, 7 to 9 a.m.
Where: City National Arena
What: Approximately 20 boys and girls ages 7 to 12 are coming from across the country to represent NHL teams' Learn to Play initiatives in this skills competition and jamboree.
Lil' Knights Jamboree Powered by the D
When: Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 a.m.
Where: City National Arena
What: Young players in town from around the country will compete in cross-ice games with members of the Lil' Knights Powered by the D Las Vegas.
NHL All-Star Game Watch Party
When: Saturday, Feb. 5, 12 p.m.
Where: Lifeguard Arena
What: The Golden Knights will host a watch party for invited youth players to enjoy the NHL All-Star Game on the video board outside Lifeguard Arena.
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