Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 | 2 a.m.
With the first period winding down, Tomáš Hertl netted his seventh power play goal of the season, putting the Golden Knights ahead of the Dallas Stars, 1-0.
The sound of the goal horn echoed through T-Mobile Arena as Vegas fans celebrated. And nine miles away, the sound of another goal horn sounded at a PT’s Gold tavern, as fans jumped from their seats, cheered and clapped.
“Everyone always goes wild when we score,” said Kathy Abrams, a patron who on this night, Dec. 6, had the ceremonial duty of triggering the bar’s goal horn and flashing blue light.
The sounding of a horn to signal a home goal has become a staple in the NHL since Bill Wirtz, the then-owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, started the tradition in 1973. He had the horn from his yacht installed at the team’s home arena.
The goal horn has also become a tradition at PT’s locations around the valley since shortly after the Golden Knights kicked off their inaugural season in 2017.
“It’s just nice to be able to watch and celebrate with everyone here,” said Abrams, who was at the PT’s Gold location at 5630 Hualapai Way, near Russell Road.
For each home game, one person is selected to hold the remote control that triggers the horn. This night the honor went to Abrams, whose husband, Andrew Abrams, is vice president of entertainment and executive producer for the Golden Knights.
The button pusher is different each game. Sometimes it’s someone who volunteers and other times they are chosen.
The only criteria: pay attention to the game and push the button when Vegas scores.
Upcoming schedule
7:30 p.m. — Today at San Jose Sharks
5 p.m. — Sunday vs. Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena
Noon — Tuesday vs. Montreal Canadiens at T-Mobile Arena
PT’s locations have been streaming every Golden Knights game — home and away — since Golden Entertainment, which owns PT’s, became a partner of the team in 2018.
Amber Fagan, general manager of the tavern, said crowds are bigger on nights the team plays. But not everyone is focused on the game — at least not until Vegas scores, she said.
“As soon as that siren goes off, they look right up and know that we got a goal,” Fagan said. “We even have a couple fans that bring in pompoms and cheer.”
The Golden Knights work with PT’s and other business partners to create an exciting atmosphere for fans to watch games.
Chance, the team mascot, and members of the Vivas dance team sometimes make appearances at official watch parties. Bars often feature drink specials and surprise offers or giveaways during games.
“The Vegas Golden Knights pride themselves on providing a best-in-class fan experience at all home games, and we work closely with our partners to create an equally incredible atmosphere when our fans can’t attend our games in person,” said Krystle Krasnaj, vice president of global partnership activations for the Golden Knights.
As the wife of a Golden Knights executive, Abrams is used to having one of the best seats in the house when she attends a game in person.
But her neighborhood PT’s is her go-to spot when she’s not at The Fortress, as the team’s home arena is known.
“I feel like if I’m not going to be sitting on the ice, coming here is the next best thing,” she said. “The atmosphere is amazing.”
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