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1. Jack Eichel interview
2. Gary Lawless discussion
3. Charity initiatives in sports
Jack Eichel & Gary Lawless: A Chat About Winning, Losing and Charity
The Vegas Golden Knights had a rollercoaster year since winning the Stanley Cup, with Jack Eichel reflecting on the highs and lows. Despite injuries and a playoff exit, Eichel is motivated to climb back to the top. The team, led by GM Kelly McCrimmon, made moves to stay competitive. Eichel is also busy with charity work, including Best Buddies and hosting a hockey camp in Vegas. The Battle 4 Vegas softball game is another way he gives back to the community. Despite the challenges of winning in the NHL, Eichel remains optimistic about the team’s chances of contending again.
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If you’re a Vegas Golden Knights fan and you woke up Thursday feeling both happy and sad, count yourself in good company. None other than Jack Eichel had the same emotions.
One year ago, on June 13, 2023, the Golden Knights were crowned Stanley Cup champions.
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“Yeah, it feels like it’s been quite a whirlwind 365 days. I saw this morning that it’s been a year since we won. It’s definitely been a life-changing moment for me and I’m sure the rest of the guys would say the same,” said Eichel, from his offseason home on the East Coast. “Just an incredible experience and everything that comes with being a champion. Unfortunately, it’s tough to watch hockey now and know that we’re no longer the Cup champs, but the goal for all of us is just to get back to the top of the mountain.”
The 27-year-old Eichel had 31 goals and 68 points over 63 games during the 2023-24 season, losing a chunk of time to a knee injury.
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon did tremendous work to keep his championship roster together and then added to it at the trade deadline with the acquisition of Noah Hanifin, Tomas Hertl, and Anthony Mantha.
Injuries to key players such as Eichel, Alex Pietrangelo, and captain Mark Stone prevented the Golden Knights from hitting top gear down the stretch and they ultimately fell in seven games to the Dallas Stars in the opening round of the playoffs.
McCrimmon called the early exit a missed opportunity. Head coach Bruce Cassidy felt his team needed a few more games to hit its stride. For Eichel, next season already beckons.
“With last year, it was a shortened summer, and you had some guys that were banged up and you’re just trying to gather energy for the few months you have and then come back to camp,” explained Eichel. “It just felt like a whirlwind. I think with the longer summer here, guys will come back energized with something to prove. The cliche saying is ‘you have a chip on your shoulder.’ I don’t know if that’s what you want to call it, but I think everyone’s going to come back motivated and wanting to get back there. When you experience it and you experience how amazing winning is and what that feeling is, it makes it that much tougher when you don’t. It makes you want it that much more.”
Eichel is in the midst of a busy summer focusing on getting healthy and ready for next season as well as devoting a lot of time to the charity work he does alongside his day job as a pro hockey player.
In between a daily workout and a planned date with his dogs, Eichel took time to chat with us about his offseason.
**A Passion for Best Buddies**
Jack Eichel shared his passion for the Best Buddies organization, where he serves as a board member. He highlighted the importance of giving back through both financial contributions and personal time spent with the organization’s members. Eichel expressed how rewarding it is to support a cause that aligns with his values and allows him to make a positive impact in the community.
**Upcoming Hockey Camp and Softball Game**
Eichel discussed his upcoming hockey camp in Vegas, which aims to provide young players with a fun and educational experience on the ice. He also talked about the annual softball game he participates in, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the Vegas community and raising funds for charity through sports events.
**Looking Ahead to the Future**
Despite the disappointment of an early playoff exit, Eichel remains optimistic about the Golden Knights’ chances in the upcoming season. He highlighted the team’s character, competitiveness, and cohesiveness as key factors that make them contenders. Eichel acknowledged the challenges of winning a Stanley Cup but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back and strive for success in the future.
In conclusion, Jack Eichel’s dedication to both his hockey career and charitable endeavors showcases his commitment to making a positive impact on and off the ice. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Eichel’s focus on teamwork, resilience, and community involvement sets a strong example for fellow players and fans alike.
To learn more about Jack Eichel and his charity work, you can visit [Best Buddies](https://www.bestbuddies.org/) and [Battle 4 Vegas](https://www.ticketmaster.com/2024-battle-4-vegas-las-vegas-nevada-07-13-2024/event/17006099BB3D2AF6) for tickets to the event.
