Golden Knights Practice At T-Mobile Arena

The Vegas Golden Knights strayed from their normal routine Wednesday as they posed for their team photo at T-Mobile Arena before practicing at their game rink.

Each player donned his white uniform and lined up with management and staff for the annual picture. The tradition is one that defenseman Nate Schmidt said is enjoyed by the whole team because they get to come together and “get all spruced up” before taking the ice.

“Marc-Andre Fleury looked great today,” Schmidt said. “He’s a good-looking cat. Ryan Reaves had a nice haircut too.”

After taking the photo, the team changed their game jerseys for practice jerseys and skated through what looked like a normal practice. But for Schmidt, there was something different about T-Mobile Arena that stuck in his mind.

“The Fortress is usually raucous and buzzing,” Schmidt said. “When we got out there, we were missing the fans.”

Seeing the empty seats was unfamiliar for the players, even Ryan Reaves who had practiced at a vacant T-Mobile Arena as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

“It was pretty weird,” Reaves said. “It was a good skate, a good practice nonetheless. Usually when I hit the ice, the place is rocking. Can’t wait to see that tomorrow night, though.”