LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — For the past decade, many NHL players have wrapped their season by coming to Las Vegas for the NHL Awards and this year, the show is expected to be bigger, better and more star-studded than ever.
"We're talking about a difference of five and seven thousand more fans, more seats and they will be, i don't want to say all Golden Knights fans but NHL fans," said Steve Mayer, Chief Content Officer for the NHL.
Mayer said the venue wouldn't be the only change to this year's ceremony. Last year was marked by heavy emotion from moments reflecting on 1 October to the Parkland shooting and the Humboldt bus crash. With Kenan Thompson as host, Mayer said this year will be a lighter show.
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"We tried to show last year how the hockey community helps a community recover," Mayer said. "This year, hey, we're lucky. We didn't have that type of tragedy during the year and we have Kenan Thompson as host so we're going for some comedy. We're going to have some fun."
In addition to Kenan Thompson, who once lived in Henderson, Las Vegas natives James Holzhauer and Nascar champion Kurt Busch will present awards.
"Jeopardy James, what an amazing story and the fact that he's from here," said Mayer. "He's one of many presenters I think adds to the brevity and the humor of the show. And we'll hand out a few awards as well."
Last year, William Karlsson, Deryk Engelland, head coach Gerard Gallant and GM George McPhee all won awards. This year, the only Golden Knight up for an award is Mark Stone, who is up for the Selke Trophy.
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There are still tickets available for fans online at NHL.com/Awards.
