The NHL reportedly would not allow any gambling references, so there was never any hope of the Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas Blackjacks, etc.
Everyone in the crowd was prepped for the Las Vegas Desert Knights. It’s the best of the three finalist names and would have reflected the geography in some way. The ex post facto justifications for the name and the team colors on the NHL cite is just so much rationalizing.
Here’s the best part:
I don’t want a team name that signifies “defenders of the realm” and “protect those who cannot protect themselves”. I want a team name that signifies “unstoppable juggernaught that crushes everything in it’s way” and “destroyer of all who oppose us”.
Also, leaving “Las” off the team name is just stupid, stupid, STUPID! Can you imagine any team owner being dumb enough to call his team the 'Frisco 49ers? The Antonio Spurs? The York Yankees? It’s not a tribute to our city to go hacking the name up, ffs.
I may have opportunities to see games at the new arena, but you can bet your ass I won’t be rooting for the local team, not with a shitty name and shitty logo like that.
Hell, I was ready to drop a couple hundred bucks on a jersey last night, but when I heard the name I said “well, I’m not giving them money for that” and about 15 people near me nodded and said the same thing.
Months and months of work and millions spent on legal fees, and this is what they come up with. Fuck the Vegas Golden Knights.