Getty Images
The Vegas Golden Knights made history by winning their first-ever Stanley Cup in June with a decisive victory over the Florida Panthers. And like any championship win, an extravagant parade followed, complete with unforgettable moments that ranged from inspiring to comical.
On a Saturday, the Golden Knights held their Stanley Cup celebration, and it was a spectacle to remember. Let’s revisit some of the standout moments from the event.
Karlsson’s Memorable Speech
The spotlight was on forward William Karlsson as he delivered an impassioned speech that stirred the emotions of the team’s enthusiastic fanbase in attendance. Despite the occasional expletive, Karlsson’s words resonated deeply.
“This guy, this incredible guy, has been with us since the beginning. And you have been here—since the fing beginning. You guys are absolutely incredible,” an unabashedly shirtless Karlsson exclaimed while praising his teammate Jonathan Marchessault. “Our first game was in Arizona. We dominated them. I didn’t score any points, but that’s alright, because in Year One, I was pretty fing amazing, but you guys were even more amazing. It’s been a long six-year journey, waiting for this guy to become MVP.”
Though Karlsson’s microphone was eventually taken away, he managed to express his profound love for his teammates with more colorful language. You can watch his entire speech here.
Marchessault Earns Conn Smythe Trophy
Following the Stanley Cup Final, it was Jonathan Marchessault who was crowned the NHL’s playoff MVP, taking home the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy. The star player finished the 2023 postseason with an impressive 25 points, second only to Jack Eichel on the team. Marchessault led the Vegas team with an outstanding 13 goals throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Hill Channels Ricky Bobby
Not to be outdone, goaltender Adin Hill stole the show during the championship parade with his spot-on impersonation of Will Ferrell’s beloved Ricky Bobby character from “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”
“Things are pretty wild right now, you know? I’m not quite sure what to do with my hands,” Hill humorously remarked during an interview.
But when it came to his performance on the ice during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hill had no doubt about what to do with his blocker and glove hands. After replacing Laurent Brossoit in the team’s second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers, Hill boasted an impressive 11-4-0 record, along with a stellar 2.17 goals-against average and a remarkable .932 save percentage.
Cassidy Discusses the Prospect of a Repeat
As Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy took the podium, fans erupted into chants of “Bruce,” urging him on. Cassidy responded by amping up the crowd, leading them in a rousing chorus of “Back to Back.”
Cassidy secured a Stanley Cup victory in his first season as head coach for the Golden Knights, following his departure from the Boston Bruins after the 2021-22 season. The 58-year-old coach had come close to winning it all in 2011 with Boston but fell short. Finally achieving his goal with the Golden Knights, Cassidy now faces the formidable challenge of defending their title. Only 16 teams in history have successfully repeated as Stanley Cup champions, with the Tampa Bay Lightning being the most recent in 2020 and 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Golden Knights parade
Q: What were some of the memorable moments from the Golden Knights parade?
A: Some of the memorable moments from the Golden Knights parade included William Karlsson’s inspiring speech, Adin Hill’s hilarious Ricky Bobby impression, and the chants for a repeat led by head coach Bruce Cassidy.
Q: Who delivered the epic speech during the parade?
A: Golden Knights forward William Karlsson delivered the epic speech during the parade, expressing his gratitude to the team’s fanbase and reflecting on their journey to the Stanley Cup victory.
Q: Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy?
A: Jonathan Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL’s playoff MVP following the Stanley Cup Final. He had an exceptional performance throughout the postseason, finishing with 25 points and leading the team in goals.
Q: What was Adin Hill’s impression during the parade?
A: Adin Hill, the Golden Knights goaltender, entertained the crowd with his hilarious impression of Will Ferrell’s Ricky Bobby character from the movie “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”
Q: What did Bruce Cassidy talk about during the celebration?
A: During the celebration, Bruce Cassidy, the Golden Knights head coach, interacted with the fans and embraced their chants for a repeat. He discussed the challenge of defending the title and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
More about Golden Knights parade
- Golden Knights Stanley Cup Celebration Highlights
- William Karlsson’s Epic Speech
- Adin Hill’s Ricky Bobby Impression
- Jonathan Marchessault Wins Conn Smythe Trophy
- Bruce Cassidy Talks About a Repeat
