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Tales From the Island of Misfit Toys: Remembering the Golden Knights’ Inaugural Season with James Neal

Nobody arrives in Las Vegas by accident. Some come chasing a jackpot, some come running from a bad streak, and a few come because there’s simply nowhere left to go. The inaugural Golden Knights were all three: a roster of…

By Hannah Kirkell · The Hockey News

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 12:40 AM

Key Things to Know

James Neal reflected on the Vegas Golden Knights' historic 2017–18 inaugural season ahead of its 10th anniversary.
Neal scored the first goal in Golden Knights franchise history during the team's opening game against Dallas.
The inaugural Golden Knights finished first in the Pacific Division with a record of 51-24-7.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former NHL forward James Neal reflected on the Vegas Golden Knights' historic 2017–18 inaugural season ahead of the team's 10th-anniversary celebrations in Las Vegas. Neal, who coined the enduring nickname "Golden Misfits," recalled scoring the franchise's first regular-season goal and helping guide an unheralded expansion roster to first place in the Pacific Division and a Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

Neal credited head coach Gerard Gallant's simple, supportive approach and the passionate local fan base at T-Mobile Arena for the roster's immediate chemistry. The franchise is celebrating the milestone with the Welcome to Impossible Weekend festivities, including autograph sessions and a home game against the Los Angeles Kings.

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