The Vegas Golden Knights keep proving that hockey belongs in Nevada.

Fresh off a Stanley Cup Final run in June, the team announced over the summer that it has teamed up with the D Las Vegas to help fund the Lil’ Knights program that will be offered at ice rinks throughout Southern Nevada.

READ OUR LATEST ISSUE

The Lil’ Knights program is a cross-ice development program that focuses on individual skills and team elements of hockey. It serves as the final step in the youth hockey development pyramid before joining a team, following the completion of Learn to Skate and Learn to Play initiatives.

Lil’ Knights will be offered at all three ice rinks in Las Vegas, including the City National Arena, Las Vegas Ice Center and Sobe Ice Arena, with youth hockey development coaches teaching the same program on each ice surface.

“We’re excited and proud to have the support of the D Las Vegas in growing youth hockey in our city,” said Golden Knights president Kerry Bubolz. “Each time a kid touches the ice at one of the three rinks in Las Vegas, another hockey journey begins, and our sport captivates another girl or boy. It’s been incredible seeing the enthusiasm for the Golden Knights expand to a passion for the sport, and we look forward to seeing the love of hockey continue to grow in Southern Nevada through the Lil’ Knights program.”

Through sponsorship of the program, the D Las Vegas will provide each child in the Lil’ Knights program a branded jersey.

“Thanks to the Lil’ Knights, kids as young as four are quickly falling in love with hockey,” said the D Las Vegas CEO Derek Stevens. “Being part of the team’s historic inaugural season was an incredible honor, and we’re excited to continue to find new ways to invigorate Southern Nevada’s youth and invest in the city’s passion for the Vegas Golden Knights.”

For more information and to register, visit the Lil’ Knights website.

— Matt Mackinder

(Oct. 19, 2018)