Hundreds of thousands of fans attended Golden Knights parade

LAS VEGAS -- A joyous sea of thousands of Golden Knights fans flooded the iconic Las Vegas Strip on Saturday for an exuberant Stanley Cup victory parade and rally at the team's home arena, marking the city's first-ever NHL championship win.

The jubilant event held special significance for both the team and the city. Having played their inaugural game as an expansion franchise in 2017, the Golden Knights' triumphant journey to the championship was a testament to their dedication and hard work.

However, the parade also bore poignant echoes of a tragic event that had shaken the city five years prior. As tourists gazed out from their hotel rooms onto the vibrant parade route in 2023, memories resurfaced of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, which occurred in Las Vegas in October 2017. Security measures were heightened, with guards inspecting windows for potential threats, ensuring the safety of the celebratory event.

The motorcade commenced near Flamingo Road and proceeded about a mile to Tropicana Avenue, culminating in a lively fan rally at Toshiba Plaza and the Park District in front of the revered T-Mobile Arena.

Amidst the sea of elated fans, Las Vegas police were prepared for an estimated 100,000 people to throng along Las Vegas Boulevard, reminiscent of the colossal crowds that assemble for annual New Year's Eve fireworks displays.

Throughout the celebration, the memory of the October 2017 mass shooting loomed large, with a touching tribute to the victims displayed on a banner above the arena stage. The Golden Knights had played a crucial role in helping the community heal and recover from the tragedy. The players, affectionately named the "Golden Misfits," had embraced survivors, first responders, and volunteers, becoming integral to the "Vegas Strong" events aimed at fostering community resilience.

When the Golden Knights embarked on their inaugural season, team owner Bill Foley boldly predicted playoff contention within three years and a Stanley Cup victory within six. Surpassing expectations, they made the playoffs in their debut season and advanced to the championship before falling to the Washington Capitals in five games.

This year, the Golden Knights' journey through the playoffs was an extraordinary display of prowess, never facing elimination and decisively defeating the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5. Mark Stone's hat trick and Jonathan Marchessault's Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP were just a few of the highlights.

The original six members of the Golden Knights, including Marchessault, Reilly Smith, William Karlsson, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, and William Carrier, joyfully hoisted the Stanley Cup during the postgame celebrations.

In the week leading up to the parade, players were seen celebrating at various glittering resorts that the procession passed by, such as Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and MGM Grand, among others.

The celebration held a special place in the heart of the city, as it not only marked a historic NHL victory but also commemorated the resilient spirit of Las Vegas, uniting its residents and fans in a shared journey of triumph and healing.