Mark Stone left an unforgettable mark on the NHL and the Stanley Cup when he hoisted the trophy alongside his team in the late spring of 2023. He stands as the franchise’s cornerstone, both in that moment and beyond.
General Managers oversee team operations and coaches steer strategy. These roles are undeniably crucial. Ultimately, however, it is the players who determine the outcome of games. Mark Stone, captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, embodies a blend of leadership, skill, passion, and determination. At 32 years old, he continues to be a top-tier player, but there is far more to Stone than simply what occurs on the ice.
Stone directs the team’s course, shapes its attitude, and sets the mindset. If Jack Eichel serves as the mainsail, Stone functions as the boom. If Alex Pietrangelo provides the chassis, Stone acts as the transmission. The Vegas roster boasts depth and speed, yet it is Stone who decides when to accelerate, downshift, or maneuver on the ice. He is the captain, the emotional compass, and an exceptional winger.
Despite undergoing back surgeries and dealing with a lacerated spleen, Stone has had to sit out several games in recent seasons. Nevertheless, he has managed to secure a Stanley Cup and accumulate 121 points over 136 regular-season matches.
In the spring of 2022, the Golden Knights did not qualify for the playoffs, leading many fans and analysts to label Stone and his teammates as past their prime.
Undeterred, Stone declared at the start of the following season that he would not pay heed to outside opinions. He had faith in his team and was eager to demonstrate their capabilities, one game at a time. When he triumphantly brought the Stanley Cup into the locker room after celebrating its victory, he shouted to his teammates, “We’re the best bleeping hockey team in the world!”
Last spring’s Game 7 defeat against the Dallas Stars and the subsequent first-round exit were indeed frustrating, but they offered the silver lining of a lengthy off-season. For a franchise that has seen more playoff action than any team except the Tampa Bay Lightning over the past seven years, this respite was welcomed—perhaps even more so for the captain than for his peers.
Gary Lawless: During the training camp prior to your Stanley Cup win, you had just missed the playoffs the previous year, and there was considerable chatter about the Golden Knights being finished. When I interviewed you at that time, you were quite candid about your thoughts on the situation and your team’s prospects. After losing in the first round last year to a strong Dallas team, do you believe you and your teammates will come back hungrier this season?
Mark Stone: Absolutely, it’s a completely different scenario. I think last year, we could have made a deep playoff run. Missing the playoffs the year before was arguably a blessing in disguise since it allowed everyone to regroup after enduring so much wear and tear. It was beneficial to realign our focus. This season, I feel we continue to build upon a solid foundation we’ve established over the past couple of years. Even with a few roster changes, we’ve managed to create a strong base for new players to integrate into the team. It’s tough to see friends and teammates leave; that’s just part of the business. However, we’re bringing in some eager new players who are excited to join us in Vegas. I used to feel more emotional when I was younger, but I’ve come to realize that others will try to target us because they want to see us fail. Throughout our history, we haven’t stumbled much. There are those who want to see the Golden Knights falter, but I truly believe our established foundation will prevent that. I’m feeling positive, and the team is energized to return. We definitely carry that chip on our shoulder. Many in the industry doubt our ability to return to form, but time will tell. We still believe we are among the teams heading into training camp with a genuine shot at the Stanley Cup.
GL: You’re likely going to be asked this question repeatedly. Considering your previous back surgeries and last year’s spleen injury, I believe this team can’t succeed without you. You are the key player. How do you feel about that?
MS: I
I’m feeling great. Last year was also a positive time for me, as I was having one of the best statistical seasons of my career until that unexpected accident occurred. After a long, challenging summer, I’m back to feeling energized and excited about returning to the ice. Some people find it hard to believe that I expect to play all 82 games each year. While I have faced some tough injuries along the way, I believe they only highlight the obstacles our team has encountered over the years. I’m truly looking forward to reuniting with the team, getting back to practice, and starting to build our momentum from the ground up, right from day one, adding to an already strong foundation.
GL: You’re entering training camp alongside centermen like Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, and Nicolas Roy, as well as a solid defensive lineup featuring Alex Pietrangelo, Noah Hanifin, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, and more. Management also brought in Ilya Samsonov to team up with Adin Hill, creating a formidable duo. The saying goes that you build from the inside out, starting with the goaltender. With your goaltender, defensemen, and centermen, you’re as competitive as any team in the NHL.
MS: What are the keys to winning? You need defense, strong centermen, and solid goaltending. That’s what puzzles me. I don’t understand why some people are discounting us, considering we have four elite centers at their positions and a deep defense with six to eight capable players. We have a goaltender who’s proven he can be a starting goalie and win the Stanley Cup. Additionally, we have another goalie who has consistently performed at a starting goalie level throughout his career. I believe he should be thrilled to play in front of the solid defense we possess. With our good complementary wingers, I don’t see that as a significant obstacle. Having four exceptional centers allows us to move players around, and they can all play the wing when necessary. We’ve also added younger players eager to make their mark in the league, like Victor Olofsson, who is looking to revitalize his career. I truly think we’re in a strong position where it counts.
GL: How has your summer been?
MS: To be honest, it’s been pretty low-key. I attended a few weddings and took some time to relax. The past couple of months have been enjoyable, especially watching my daughter grow and start to show her personality for the first time. It’s been a lot of fun. I cherish this time because once training camp starts, those moments become less frequent. I also had the chance to go home during the Olympics last week to visit my dad and my brother’s family, which was fantastic. I’m eager to get back into the swing of things; it’s clear when the time has come.
GL: Are you interested in playing for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-off?
MS: It’s one of those opportunities I would never decline. Making that team is a goal of mine, and I’d love to represent Canada. To participate in 2025 and 2026 would be a dream come true for me, as I would have the chance to play alongside the best players in the world. I would absolutely welcome that experience, and it would rank among the top achievements of my career. However, if it doesn’t happen, I’ll focus on the Vegas Golden Knights instead. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t highly interested and determined to secure a spot on that team.
GL: Regarding last year’s playoffs, it seemed like you and Hertl could have benefited from a bit more time back in the lineup. Dallas was a strong opponent, and it wasn’t just you and Hertl; many players were returning from injuries. What do you think may have happened had you defeated Dallas?
MS: It’s hard to speculate on that. While I can’t say what should have been, I’m confident in every aspect…
In any series we participate in, I firmly believe that defeating us four times in seven games is a challenging feat. That belief informs my confidence that we have the potential to win the Stanley Cup every season. It’s tough for a team like Dallas to beat us four out of seven; they needed all seven games to achieve that. Unfortunately, the outcome was decided by a fluky bounce off (Alec Martinez) Marty’s skate in the corner. Otherwise, we could have advanced further—but that’s hockey for you. Perhaps we had our fair share of fortunate breaks in the previous year. Regardless, I will always approach a series with confidence, knowing that an opponent needs to win four out of seven matches against us, which I view as a formidable challenge. This confidence is rooted in my faith in our team.
GL: What do you appreciate about training camp?
MS: That’s an insightful question. While many talk about the challenges of training camps, I genuinely enjoy the enthusiasm that younger players exhibit when they arrive for their first training camp. It’s quite inspiring. I remember feeling just as excited as these kids, being thrilled to step onto the ice at the NHL level. The exhibition games aim to replicate the atmosphere of a regular-season game as closely as possible. Many of these players will return to junior hockey and are eager to soak up this experience. We try to make them feel as comfortable as we can. On the first day of training camp, even at 32 years old, I still feel like I am 23, filled with excitement about being there. It’s great to reconnect with the staff and all the players. Despite the organized chaos, there’s so much that can be accomplished, setting a precedent for the kind of team we want to be for the season. This year, new players are coming into training camp who will join our lineup, and it’s important for them to understand our standards and procedures.
GL: You’ve played alongside (Pavel) Dorofeyev, who seems poised for great things. Are you looking forward to his potential?
MS: Absolutely. He has shown consistent improvement year after year and even day after day. He seems to be a player who continuously gets better. His talent is something special; not many players can shoot the puck like he can or drive to the net with such finesse. As he becomes more familiar with the league, he’ll discover scoring opportunities. He works well with his linemates, which is not something every player does. There are players who make it difficult for their teammates to get involved, but he isn’t one of them. When he’s on the ice, he competes for pucks, using his skills around the boards effectively. He’s going to be an essential player for our team.
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Mark Stone: The Heart and Soul of the Vegas Golden Knights
Who is Mark Stone?
Mark Stone, a professional ice hockey player, is widely recognized as the heart and soul of the Vegas Golden Knights. Born on May 13, 1992, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Stone has developed into one of the most pivotal players in the NHL. Known for his exceptional two-way play, strong leadership skills, and tenacious competitive spirit, Stone has become a fan favorite in Las Vegas.
Mark Stone’s Career Journey
Stone’s journey to the NHL began with his junior career in the WHL, where he played for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Here are some milestones from his career:
- Drafted: Selected by the Ottawa Senators in the 6th round of the 2010 NHL Draft.
- Debut: Made his NHL debut on February 6, 2013, against the New Jersey Devils.
- Trade to Vegas: Joined the Vegas Golden Knights on February 25, 2019, via a trade from the Senators.
- Captaincy: Appointed as the captain of the Golden Knights in October 2020.
Playing Style and Skills
Mark Stone’s playing style is characterized by both offensive prowess and defensive acumen. Here are some key attributes that define his game:
Offensive Skills
- Scoring Ability: Known for his goal-scoring talent, Stone has consistently been among the top scorers in the league.
- Playmaking: His vision on the ice allows him to set up teammates for scoring opportunities.
- Power Play Specialist: Stone is often utilized in power play situations due to his ability to create scoring chances.
Defensive Skills
- Two-Way Player: Stone excels at both ends of the ice, making him an invaluable asset to his team.
- Takeaways: His knack for intercepting passes and stealing the puck showcases his defensive instincts.
- Penalty Kill: Stone plays a significant role in the Golden Knights’ penalty-killing unit.
Leadership Qualities
As the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, Mark Stone exhibits remarkable leadership qualities. His ability to inspire teammates and maintain a positive locker room culture is essential for team dynamics. Here’s how he contributes as a leader:
- Lead by Example: Stone demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence that motivates his teammates.
- Communication: Open and honest communication is a hallmark of his leadership style, fostering trust within the team.
- Mental Resilience: Stone’s ability to remain calm and focused under pressure sets a standard for others to follow.
Mark Stone’s Impact on the Golden Knights
Since joining the Vegas Golden Knights, Mark Stone has made a significant impact on the team’s success. Here are some notable contributions:
Playoff Performance
Stone has consistently elevated his play in the postseason, displaying the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His contributions in the playoffs include:
- Key Goals: Scoring crucial goals to propel the Golden Knights in playoff series.
- Defensive Prowess: Shutdown performances against opposing star players.
- Leadership under Pressure: His presence helps maintain team morale during critical moments.
Community Engagement
Mark Stone is not just a player; he is a vital member of the Las Vegas community. His involvement includes:
- Charitable Work: Participating in various charitable events and initiatives that benefit local organizations.
- Youth Engagement: Supporting youth hockey programs to inspire the next generation of players.
Statistics Overview
Mark Stone’s impressive statistics reflect his significant contributions to the Vegas Golden Knights. Below is a summary table of his career statistics:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 61 | 21 | 38 | 59 | +11 |
| 2020-21 | 61 | 14 | 20 | 34 | +20 |
| 2021-22 | 37 | 9 | 24 | 33 | +6 |
| 2022-23 | 43 | 17 | 30 | 47 | +15 |
Benefits of Having Mark Stone on Your Team
Having Mark Stone on your team comes with numerous benefits that extend beyond just his on-ice performance:
- Enhanced Team Morale: His leadership fosters a positive environment, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
- Mentorship: Stone’s experience provides younger players with guidance and insights into the game.
- Increased Competitive Edge: His skill set elevates the overall game of the team, making them formidable opponents.
First-Hand Experience: Teammates and Coaches Speak Out
Mark Stone’s impact resonates not just through his statistics but also through the voices of those who know him best. Here are some quotes from teammates and coaches:
“Mark is the type of player you want on your team. He gives everything on the ice and leads with his actions.” – Teammate
“His understanding of the game is unmatched. Mark elevates everyone’s play around him.” – Coach
Conclusion
Mark Stone is truly the heart and soul of the Vegas Golden Knights. His relentless work ethic, exceptional skills, and leadership qualities make him an indispensable asset to the team. Through his contributions on and off the ice, Stone continues to inspire not only his teammates but the entire Las Vegas community.
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