The holiday season in Vegas glinted with more than just the Strip's neon this year, as select players from the Vegas Golden Knights took it upon themselves to spread some seasonal joy at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, the area's dedicated facility for pediatric cancer and serious diseases. Their visit, forming part of the Golden Knights' "Holiday Knights of Giving" campaign, was not just a one-off gesture of goodwill but an enduring commitment to local community support, as per News 3 Las Vegas reports.
According to News 3 Las Vegas, the ice hockey team, beyond being sponsor of the 'End of Treatment Bell'—a symbol of hope for many young patients—has been a consistent backer of the clinic and its mission. The bell, which patients ring to mark the conclusion of their treatment, was made possible through charitable efforts by the team. This year's encounter was eagerly awaited by both patients and their families, providing a light-hearted respite from their otherwise arduous treatments.
Delving more deeply, players such as Mark Stone, Shea Theodore, and Brett Howden were present, handing out gifts and spending quality time with the children. "We hopefully try to bring a few smiles to everybody, just try to lighten the mood and try to bring joy," remarked forward Brett Howden during his time at the event, reported by KTNV.
The Golden Knights' visit was not merely about allowing young fans to meet their sporting heroes; it offered heartfelt moments for families facing dire challenges. Savannah, a courageous fighter against Neuroblastoma, and her mother Tiera Arterberry expressed their deep appreciation for the team's initiative. “It’s amazing they’re doing this for all the kids," Arterberry told KTNV. "Just to see their faces, the smiles, them light up, after all the things we’ve been through, all the hospital stays, it’s been really hard. So being able to smile and have joy from something else other than the hospital or the clinic, it warms my heart.”
Howden noted the muted yet powerful impact of such visits, stating, “Seeing the reaction from the kids and patients, seeing them get excited from just us coming... it’s pretty cool being able to see them, and hopefully brighten their day a little bit.” It's a gesture going far beyond the rink, transcending sports to create tangible impacts where they're needed most.
Meanwhile, on the ice, Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar has been making headlines with his impressive performance this season. Having tied his career-high with eight goals—achieved just 33 games in—this milestone is particularly remarkable considering prior seasons when it took him 74 and 79 games to reach the same total. At just 27 years old, Kolesar's rise has been aided by increased ice time, pushing to 13:11, and enhancing his shooting frequency to averaging 1.2 shots per game alongside converting on 20.5% of those shots.
“I don't think my role has changed at all; I still think I'm playing the same game right from the start," Kolesar stated. "Just the mentality from shooting more and getting more pucks to the net and getting credit with more goals.” His newfound confidence is palpable. "Maybe just playing with more speed, hopping in holes, being in the right spot and trying to attack the net more often," he added.
This uptick came at a time when many were questioning who would step up following the team's off-season departures—Kolesar’s timely goals have proved integral to team success.
The interconnected stories of community care and personal triumph merge perfectly for the Vegas Golden Knights. Whether providing joy to young fans at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation or stepping up on the ice with record performances, the team's players embody inspiration during challenging times. These efforts solidify their standing as not just athletes, but role models who contribute positively both on and off the rink.
