Sunday night was a first for Kay — her very first hockey game!
We headed to a Henderson Silver Knights game, and Kay had an absolute blast. The Henderson Silver Knights are our local American Hockey League team and the primary affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, our NHL team. Basically, the Silver Knights are part of the next level down in professional hockey, and many players are working their way toward the NHL and the Golden Knights.
But honestly, the hockey was only part of what made the night so special for me.
This was one of those events where Kay could just completely be herself. She could dance as much as she wanted, cheer as loudly as she wanted, get excited, and be her wonderfully enthusiastic self without me worrying that she was making it harder for everyone around us to enjoy the game. Watching her have that kind of freedom was pretty awesome.
And then there was Lucky, the Silver Knights’ mascot. Kay absolutely loved him! The two of them had a brief little moment together that was just ridiculously cute. I love seeing organizations make an effort to connect with their fans, especially the kids who are so excited to be there. Those little interactions can make an experience so much more memorable for them.
We were lucky enough to attend this game through GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas being selected as the Silver Knights’ Non-Profit of the Knight — yes, Knight. Get it? LOL The program gives local nonprofits an opportunity to share their mission with fans and be recognized during the game.
During the second intermission, 20 GiGi’s Playhouse participants got to go up to the Castle, where GiGi’s received a special shoutout and was featured on the jumbo-tron. Then, after the game, we all got to head down onto the ice for a group photo, which was such a fun way to end the night.
I’m so glad we decided to go. I wasn’t sure exactly what Kay would think of her first hockey game, but seeing how much fun she had made the whole night that much more enjoyable for me.
Sometimes the best part of an experience isn’t the event itself. It’s getting to watch your kid completely lose herself in the moment, having the time of her life and not worrying about whether she’s “too much.”
And Kay was definitely having her moment Sunday night.