LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The Vegas Golden Knights honored Derek Stevens, owner of Circa Resort & Casino Las Vegas, for his $100,000 donation to the Lil’ Knights youth hockey program this season.
This marks the eighth consecutive year Stevens has contributed, bringing his total donations to $800,000.
“Derek’s generosity has truly been transformative for kids pursuing hockey in Southern Nevada,” said Darren Eliot, Vegas Golden Knights Senior Vice President of Hockey Programming and Facility Operations. “The Golden Knights organization thanks him on behalf of anyone in the area who has picked up a stick in the last eight years.”
Stevens expressed his passion for sports and their unifying power, saying, “Supporting the Lil’ Knights youth hockey program has been an honor. I can’t wait to see the sport’s continued growth throughout our community.”
Stevens was recognized during the Mites at Knight event in the first intermission of the Golden Knights’ game against Winnipeg at T-Mobile Arena. Mites at Knight is presented by AAA.
The Lil’ Knights Cross-Ice Program focuses on teaching young players the four basic skills of hockey: skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting.
Participants engage in one practice session and one 4-on-4 game session on half the ice sheet, fostering age-appropriate player development.
The program is offered at City National Arena, America First Center, and Hylo Park Ice Arena, preparing players for the next step in their hockey journey, typically house league.
According to USA Hockey, youth hockey participation in Nevada has surged by 452% since the Vegas Golden Knights’ arrival in the 2016-17 season.
The growth is even more remarkable among players 8-and-under, including Lil’ Knights participants, with an increase of nearly 700%.