LAS VEGAS — Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar was honored with his first team award in his fifth NHL season with the franchise.
Demonstrating a consistent commitment to the community, the 27-year-old was named the Vegas Strong Service Award winner after Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators.
The award is given annually to the player most involved in serving and giving back to the Vegas community, as Kolesar joins the likes of Jack Eichel, Reilly Smith, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore as past recipients of this honor.
Good guy… good guy 😁🔑#VegasBornpic.twitter.com/Mmht6elbMQ
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 13, 2025
“It means a lot,” Kolesar said. “This is my second year working with Adams Place. The first year, I just kind of wanted to do something for myself, it wasn’t about getting it out there. This year, I think someone caught wind of it, and the message was spread. So, I’ll see the positives in that sends a message out to people that this organization is here and kids, maybe, need a little bit of help.
“I’m trying to do is just change someone’s life, and for a positive way.”
Just before Christmas at the team’s morning skate at City National Arena, Kolesar hosted approximately 50 guests from Adam’s Place, a local Las Vegas non-profit that supports children, teens and families experiencing loss through Camp Cope peer support groups, education and training.
Kolesar, who lost his father to COVID-19, donated two season tickets to allow Adam’s Place members to attend every game at T-Mobile Arena this past season.
He also participated in the design and construction of a KABOOM! Playground, funded by the VGK Foundation at the Donna Street Community Center in North Las Vegas. Kolesar regularly spends time with members of the community at ball hockey clinics or meeting with them after practices or games. He’s been a consistent presence at the team’s Holiday Knights of Giving initiatives in December.
Goaltender Adin Hill brought home the team’s First Star Award, an honor that came down to Saturday’s home finale. Hill won the award after being named one of the game’s three stars 10 times at T-Mobile Arena, including four First Stars. The 28-year-old went 20-6-2 in 28 home starts this season, setting a franchise record for home victories. In just his third season with Vegas, Hill established career bests with 50 games played, 32 wins, a 2.47 goals-against average and four shutouts.
THIS LUCKY FUN IS TAKING ADIN HILL’S JERSEY HOME!! 😄 #VegasBorn | @CircaSportspic.twitter.com/fCbylCKBc1
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 13, 2025
Finally, Brett Howden was awarded the Seventh Player Award, which is given to the player who most exceeded expectations on the ice.
Howden, who was drafted by Tampa Bay in 2016 and has appeared in 429 career games, showed exactly how he’s exceeded expectations on Saturday night, continuing a career-best campaign with his 23rd goal of the season. Howden, who also had an assist in the win, matched the total number of goals he had collectively in his first three seasons with the Golden Knights. His 39 points are 16 more than his previous career high. His goal total ranks tied for fourth on the team, while his +15 rating is tied for fourth among Vegas forwards. He also ranks third on the team with 118 hits, second among forwards, another career-high mark.
“I think I gained some confidence, and I just kind of kept rolling with it,” Howden said. “I was given a lot of opportunities. With that comes confidence from the coach and I think, I’ve said it all the time, we’re surrounded by such good players here that no matter where you play in the lineup or who you’re playing with, you’re playing with good players.
“I think it opened my eyes a lot this year to see what I can accomplish.”
🎥 Howden: We’re surrounded by such good players here, that no matter where you play in the lineup or who you’re playing with, you’re playing with good players. pic.twitter.com/tIuAPNY2L5
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 13, 2025
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