LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Golden Knights helped host Wickfest 2026, one of the largest girl’s hockey events in the world, marking the first time in 16 years the festival was held outside Canada.
The event was created by Hayley Wickenheiser, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and 2019 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. Wickfest has impacted more than 30,000 female hockey players globally.
“I thought what’s the legacy I’m able to leave and after the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, winning gold medal in our home country, it’s like what’s the next thing to grow the game and here we are 16 years later and it’s been an amazing explosion, we work with 40,000 girls across the world and our first time in the U.S., we’re excited to be here,” Wickenheiser said.
Partnership brings festival to Vegas
For 15 years, Wickenheiser held the event in Canada. After meeting with Sheri Hudspeth, the Golden Knights director of youth hockey programs and fan development, she decided to bring the festival to Las Vegas.
“Vegas is a great place to start, so the Golden Knights have been amazing helping us get down here, the NHL, the NHLPA, giving us some growth fund money to grow the game here in the desert and I believe we’re the only female tournament in Vegas, so we’re first in and hopefully we’ll be here a while,” Wickenheiser said.
Wickfest 2026 kicked off with a dance party at the Aria Resort and Casino and continued for three days at rinks across the valley.
Event features coaching ambassadors
Seven female ambassadors provided hands-on coaching both on and off the ice, in addition to Wickenheiser.
“Just the girls, the way they gravitate to the players; now they see it, they can be it. It’s really important they get to be around these athletes and they’re very open and willing to give their time,” Wickenheiser said.
The event showcased more than 600 players making up 35 teams from across North America. In the four division finals, Nevada was represented in each one, including the 14U Las Vegas Storm bringing home the gold.
Golden Knights launch learn-to-play program
The Golden Knights launched their first all-girls learn-to-play program alongside Wickfest. The eight-week course currently has 45 girls signed up.
Rob Knesaurek, NHL senior vice president of industry growth, said the success reflects the organization’s commitment to growing hockey in the market.
“It’s wonderful to see both the success on and off the ice, this doesn’t happen without the people in that room from your GM to your President to Sheri. people are committed to making this a hockey market,” Knesaurek said.
According to USA Hockey, female participation in Nevada has increased 600% since the Golden Knights arrived.
“It’s amazing to look at the numbers, we have meetings right now and we think we’re only scratching the surface. It’s about creating opportunities,” said Penhollow.
Women’s hockey growth
Knesaurek said women’s hockey is on a strong trajectory.
“I think women’s hockey is on an amazing trajectory, I’m so excited, I stand by this conviction that hockey is for everyone. A strong hockey ecosystem includes young boys and young girls,” Knesaurek said. “One thing people forget, that 45% of our fans are female, so it’s important we do things for that segment and I think this is a wonderful testament to doing something.”
Wickenheiser said the Golden Knights’ approach made Las Vegas the right choice for the festival.
“The Golden Knights are always innovative and unique in the way they brand hockey and grow the game and so it just makes sense that we should be here,” Wickenheiser said.
Wickfest will return to Las Vegas in 2027, with exact dates to be determined.
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