Kitchener connections run deep on Vegas dads’ trip

All photos courtesy of Bob Hague

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A mid-November Vegas Golden Knights’ fathers trip made for another treasured shared hockey experience for Bob and Nicolas Hague.

The dads of the Golden Knights joined their sons on a week-long road trip, which included games in Anaheim, where the fathers went whale watching ahead of a game against the Ducks, and Salt Lake City, where they visited Utah Olympic Park and did some bobsledding.

“It was a different one for me because Nic was injured, so I actually got to spend more time with him than I usually do," said Bob. "But I got to see what it's like with how the team helps the players get back from injury, which was interesting to me."

That was only one of many takeaways for the father of the 26-year-old defenceman.

Bob, who calls Kitchener, Ontario, home along with his wife, Sheila, had the chance to catch up with some hometown locals with Tim Pearson, father of Vegas forward Tanner Pearson, and Darryl Schell, uncle of Golden Knights forward Cole Schwindt.

"I know Cole's uncle from the golf course, and I knew his dad, Jason. … Nic and Tanner went through the Kitchener minor hockey system at a different time. Cole and Nic played junior hockey in Mississauga.

"We had a fun time with the Kitchener guys and there is that great photo of the back of us three with our names on the sweaters."

Nic, currently in his sixth NHL season, all with Vegas, is proud to see his hometown have strong representation on the Pacific Division club.

"It's funny that this year, we have three guys from Kitchener now. I've known Tanner for a long time, and I played junior hockey with Cole. It's funny how it all works out – a small world. It's definitely cool."

The connection to the southwestern Ontario city of just over 593,000 people prompted a welcome walk down memory lane for those on the fathers’ trip.

"It's incredible when you think of the players who have come through here,” said Bob. “[Winnipeg Jets forward] Mark Scheifele, [Jets defenceman] Logan Stanley played in Waterloo – Nic and Logan grew up playing spring hockey together – and of course, [Hockey Hall of Fame inductee] Scott Stevens, is probably the most famous guy from here."

"I feel like Kitchener is continuing to grow in terms of its hockey and the players who come out of there," said Nic. "It is a great hockey city. I have a ton of fond memories growing up and playing there."

And not just the minor hockey scene.

Nic and his friends made good use of the city's arenas, ponds and backyard rinks.

"Around town, there were always public rinks you could find to skate or play on. You could always easily find a rink. When we were playing outdoors, we would grab that big jug of hot chocolate and have a blast out there."

One of Nic's most treasured hockey moments was when he brought the Stanley Cup to Kitchener after Vegas won it all in 2023.

"It was awesome. When I got back in the morning, the first thing we did was take it to Activa Sportsplex, and the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association was great – they helped me organize the event. A ton of people came out to say hello and see the Cup. We ended up doing an auction for KidSport in Kitchener-Waterloo, which was amazing.

"I got to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time, so it really was a perfect time, one I'll never forget."

Both Bob and Nic see the fathers' trip in the same light.

It was the fourth such experience for both.

"I don't look at them as sort of hockey players, but more as the good people they are – just a great bunch of people,” said Bob.

A list that includes the team's leading scorer at the 2024-25 halfway point.

"I got to meet Jack Eichel. He's a hell of a hockey player, but he's an even better person. His dad and I made a new connection too, so it's fun to be part of those. I guess it's like a take your dad to work day."

The trip was also a reminder of just how quickly time has passed since Nic first laced up the skates,

“It flies by,” said Nic. “It is a cliche, but it is true. From minor hockey in Kitchener to playing in the OHL, to now, my sixth year in the NHL - it feels like you blink and you're here."

Bob was quick to agree with his son.

"I was actually talking to someone about that recently,” added Bob. “It is amazing how quickly it all goes by.”

Bob, who is now retired, but runs a consulting company with a friend, continues to enjoy every moment of Nic’s hockey life.

Whether it’s in the stands or watching on TV, he never misses a game.

"First, for me, it's seeing the team do well as a group and find success. I still want to see Nic smiling and having fun the way he did when he was a kid. It can be stressful for these guys, but I want to see him enjoy it all.

“We still talk pretty much after every game. For me, it's that he is having fun. It's amazing for me to be able to still watch my son play hockey - that's the great part.”

As for who took away the most from the latest fathers’ trip, it was a win-win for all, offered Nic.

"We all equally enjoy it. I know it's something we [the players] enjoy and I know the dads do as well. We all have a ton of fun."