This complete narrative of "VEGAS HOCKEY, VEGAS STRONG" is informative and emotive with stories never told, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the history of hockey in Las Vegas. The evolution of hockey led to the NHL granting Las Vegas its first Big Four sports franchise. The sport grew from a few avid players forming a team in the mob-built International Ice Palace, to the first time pro players suited up in Vegas at Caesars Palace, to the triumph of the World Champion Golden Knights.
The idea of hosting a professional hockey game in the middle of the desert was indeed an unconventional concept. Unforeseen challenges arose, such as the ice melting the day of the event and a plague of grasshoppers affecting the competition. This landmark event in 1991 laid the groundwork for future endeavors. Humorous and never-told-before exploits of the Flash include the brawl and subsequent expulsion of four-time Stanley Cup champion and member of the 1980 Miracle on Ice gold Medal team, Ken Morrow, in a game with the Vancouver VooDoo. Then there was the contingent of Russian players arrested for shoplifting women's underwear on the Strip and the team practicing outdoors in 100-plus degrees. The Wranglers had Prison Night in prison garb and Pajama Nights when games started at midnight. The Aces were a rag-tag team of thugs, and the team drew full houses for free beer nights. The Flash, Aces and Wranglers were full of laughs and mishaps. The public was never privy to the bungles by management, but these stories are now brought to light.
Much of what transpired in the growth of hockey came from the efforts of authors Robert (Bob) Lawson and Richard Gubbe. Lawson had brought the Aces into existence and was the architect of the Flash, as well as the creation of youth hockey with his father. Gubbe was the lead coordinator of the game at Caesars and assisted with PR efforts for the Aces, Flash and youth hockey.
Together, the authors of this book were instrumental in forming the triumphant statement, "VEGAS HOCKEY, VEGAS STRONG."
