LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Being selected for his first Olympic team is a dream come true for Noah Hanifin, who credits his experience in last year's Four Nations Face-Off with preparing him for the moment.
Sports Reporter Alex Eschelman has more on how that tournament changed Hanifin's game.
"I think just confidence-wise, anytime you play in a tournament like that, you're playing against the best players in the world," he said.
"The pace of play and the level is so high; after you experience something like that, coming back to the regular season, it just gives you a different confidence. The game almost feels a little bit slower in some ways.
"I think anytime you play in high-pressure situations, whether it's Four Nations or playoff games, it always makes you a better player."
The Vegas Golden Knights are back at home Thursday to host the Blue Jackets at 7 p.m.
-
WATCH: Ryan Craig introduced as new head coach of Vegas Golden Knights
Ryan Craig spent the past three seasons as the head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights. Before that, he was an assistant coach on the Golden Knights' staff from 2017 to 2023.
FULL PRESSER: Kelly McCrimmon comments on 2025-2026 VGK season
The past week has been a whirlwind for the Vegas Golden Knights, from falling to the Carolina Hurricane in a shutdown Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals to shakeups in the coaching staff, with the NHL Draft within the next two weeks.
Silver Knights coach Ryan Craig moves up to top coaching job with Golden Knights
Henderson Silver Knights head coach Ryan Craig, a former VGK assistant, will be the next head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.
McCrimmon holding press conference after Tortorella ousted from coaching staff
John Tortorella stepped in with only eight games left in the regular season after Bruce Cassidy was fired from the head coaching position.
