Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024 | 2 a.m.
Most Sin City Kings hockey games at Hylo Park Arena are attended by family and friends of the players on the semiprofessional team.
Sunday’s game was different. A few hundred fans were there — just not to see the Kings.
Las Vegas’ Jewish community came out in droves to watch the Kings host the Israel Elite League (IEL) Selects in an exhibition game. It was part of a two-game weekend series.
While the Kings lost both games — 11-2 on Saturday; 6-4 on Sunday — the purpose of the exhibition was far more profound than the score, players on both teams said.
“It’s all about showcasing the game and showcasing friendship,” said Shlomi Levy, a player with IEL Selects. “Israel is portrayed to a certain extent in some negative spotlights at times, so it’s important to show that we’re all humans.”
He continued, “Being here and supported by a local crowd in the Jewish community has been just unbelievable.”
Fans sported Israel hockey or baseball jerseys, and waved small Israeli flags and blue pom-poms.
In addition to competition, the team looked to spread awareness about hostages being held captive for more than a year by Hamas.
Their jerseys’ backs and sleeves featured the words “bring them home,” a reference to hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in an attack Oct. 7, 2023.
As of Monday, 117 hostages have been freed, 72 have been killed, and 62 are still being held, according to a Washington Post tracker. The war has led to 44,000 Israeli and Palestinian casualties.
“It’s a powerful message because right or wrong, regardless of what you think, at the end of the day, there are innocent people that are in Gaza right now,” IEL Selects captain Isaac Levy said. “We have the privilege to play hockey, to represent a country that we would never be able to do if these people didn’t sacrifice, and to go get them.”
A handful of players also had a yellow ribbon sticker on their helmets to spread awareness for the hostages to be returned.
That sentiment echoed throughout the arena. A fan stood behind the net during the game with a “We stand with Israel sign,” and another wore an Israeli flag with a yellow ribbon on it.
“Everyone has been super receptive,” IEL coach Stuart Gourdji said. “That’s what it’s all about, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
Kings captain Bryce Gould, the lone Jewish member of the team, called the weekend series “The Battle for the Homeland.” He said it was important to see his culture represented.
The rabbi from his synagogue attended the game. Same with Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley.
“It’s nice because we get more of our Jewish community out here to come around and support this game,” Gould said. “It’s (hockey) something that isn’t big in the homeland (Israel), nor here (in the Vegas Jewish community), but it’s good for both.”
Isaac Levy said this was the best experience playing against a North American opponent. He invited the Sin City Kings to play the IEL Selects again — this time in Tel Aviv.
“This is the first team that we’ve invited, just to show you how the relationship has been since before the game, during the game and after the game,” Isaac Levy said. “This is going to be a team (Kings) that will blend really well in Tel Aviv.
“Hopefully, we can see them (Kings) again. I don’t think this is the last time we’ll play this team.”
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