June 21, 2017- Not even the Summer Vegas heat could stop worldwide fans from pouring in to the new T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas Nevada to see their hockey heroes all come together for the NHL awards and get the first glimpse at who would be joining the new Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017-2018 expansion draft.
Hosted by True Blood’s Joe Manganiello the evening was buzzing with hockey greats such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Carey Price, Johnny Gaudreau, Connor McDavid, Brent Burns, rookie super star Auston Matthews and many more.
For a sport that often sees vicious fist fights- off the ice, these players are all very close and supportive of each other. When it comes to illnesses, family and career altering injuries everybody seems to put their team alliances aside and come together as one hockey community.
The crowd gave an emotional standing ovation for former NHL player Bryan Bickell who after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis has decided to retire this year from the game.
Bryan Bickell and wife- 2017 NHL Awards
Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers was the big winner of the night. Taking home the Hart Memorial Trophy for NHL MVP. Presented to him by The Great One himself Wayne Gretzky. McDavid also won the Ted Lindsay Award and Art Ross Trophy.
Connor McDavid- 2017 NHL Awards
A complete list of winners:
Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy: Sidney Crosby
William M. Jennings Trophy: Braden Holtby
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Brent Burns
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Johnny Gaudreau
King Clancy Memorial Trophy: Nick Foligno
Foundation Player Award: Travis Harmonic
Jack Adams Award: John Tortorella
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Patrice Bergeron
Calder Memorial Trophy: Auston Matthews
Vezina Trophy: Sergei Bobrovsky
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Craig Anderson
Mark Messier Leadership Award: Nick Foligno
General Manager of the Year Award: David Poile
(Photos: Mel C.)
Wayne Gretzky- NHL Awards 2017 Joe Manganiello- NHL Awards 2017
Denna Laing- NHL Awards 2017
Nick Foligno and wife- NHL Awards 2017
Victor Hedman- NHL Awards 2017
Wayne Simmonds- NHL Awards 2017
Braden Holtby- NHL Awards 2017
Patrice Bergeron- NHL Awards 2017
Johnny Gaudreau- NHL Awards 2017
Mark Giordano and Johnny Gaudreau- NHL Awards 2017
Mark Giordano- NHL Awards 2017
Carey Price- NHL Awards 2017
Auston Matthews- NHL Awards 2017
Patrick Laine- NHL Awards 2017
Brent Burns and wife- NHL Awards 2017
Stanley Cup champions Sidney Crosby and Carl Hagelin- NHL Awards 2017
Rounding out a great evening, it was revealed what players would be leaving their current teams to join the new Vegas Golden Knights franchise for the 2018 season. The new roster will include 3 time Stanley Cup winner Marc- Andre Fleury, James Neal, Brayden McNabb, Clayton Stoner and Shea Theodore. (To see the complete team roster visit https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights)
Mark-Anre Fleury answering fan questions Expansion Draft 2017
