LAS VEGAS — Thousands of people erupted out of T-Mobile Arena when the final buzzer sounded in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The Golden Knights defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in a game played over a thousand miles away, but the watch party at T-Mobile Arena brought the excitement home.
“Only one thing on my mind, baby, the cup. Lord Stanley himself,” Jeremy Chavez said.
One fan said he has not shaved or washed his shirt since the team beat the Avalanche in the previous round.
“I always thought we were going to do well in these playoffs, but against the Avalanche, we really showed that we can win this,” Liam Hult said.
Eric Muskett said he is confident the team will bring the Stanley Cup to Las Vegas.
“I am so pumped right now. We are going to win this thing. I know we’re going to bring it back,” Muskett said. “Stanley Cup Final baby. Let’s go. This is what it’s all about.”
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Fans say atmosphere felt like live game
Kris Von Krueger said the energy inside the arena made it feel like attending the game in person.
“What a great energy we’ve got in there,” Von Krueger said. “It’s like we’re at a game. I’m cheering, I’m screaming like I’m at the game, calling for everything.”
One fan said the team and fan base are focused on winning.
“The fan base is awesome. The team is awesome. We just hope to win, man. That’s all we want to do is win,” the fan said.
Another fan said the team brings the community together.
“It brings everyone together with the Golden Knights,” the fan said.
Tyler Husereau said the atmosphere when Vegas took the lead in the final minute was intense.
“We go ahead for the final minute. The electric atmosphere inside was insane. It was absolutely intense. That’s everything,” Husereau said.
Arianna Herera said the excitement of being surrounded by other hockey fans made the experience special.
“It was like just so exciting because all the people around you were also hockey fans, and it was exciting seeing them score goals like 5-5 or six times,” Herera said.
Marty Hiller said he had open-heart surgery at Saint Rose during the first game of the 2023 playoffs and missed the championship run.
“In 23, the night of the first game of the playoffs ended up open heart surgery in Saint Rose. I missed the whole thing,” Hiller said. “I want to see it. I’m glad I’m alive to see it, but I want to see it.”
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