Description

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"VEGAS HOCKEY, VEGAS STRONG"

This complete narrative of "VEGAS HOCKEY, VEGAS STRONG" is informative and emotive with stories never told, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the history of hockey in Las Vegas. The evolution of hockey led to the NHL granting Las Vegas its first Big Four sports franchise. The sport grew from a few avid players forming a team in the mob-built International Ice Palace, to the first time pro players suited up in Vegas at Caesars Palace, to the triumph of the World Champion Golden Knights.

The idea of hosting a professional hockey game in the middle of the desert was indeed an unconventional concept. Unforeseen challenges arose, such as the ice melting the day of the event and a plague of grasshoppers affecting the competition. This landmark event in 1991 laid the groundwork for future endeavors. Humorous and never-told-before exploits of the Flash include the brawl and subsequent expulsion of four-time Stanley Cup champion and member of the 1980 Miracle on Ice gold Medal team, Ken Morrow, in a game with the Vancouver VooDoo. Then there was the contingent of Russian players arrested for shoplifting women's underwear on the Strip and the team practicing outdoors in 100-plus degrees. The Wranglers had Prison Night in prison garb and Pajama Nights when games started at midnight. The Aces were a rag-tag team of thugs, and the team drew full houses for free beer nights. The Flash, Aces and Wranglers were full of laughs and mishaps. The public was never privy to the bungles by management, but these stories are now brought to light.

Much of what transpired in the growth of hockey came from the efforts of authors Robert (Bob) Lawson and Richard Gubbe. Lawson had brought the Aces into existence and was the architect of the Flash, as well as the creation of youth hockey with his father. Gubbe was the lead coordinator of the game at Caesars and assisted with PR efforts for the Aces, Flash and youth hockey.

Together, the authors of this book were instrumental in forming the triumphant statement, "VEGAS HOCKEY, VEGAS STRONG."

About the Author

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Author Robert (Bob) Lawson III



Robert (Bob) Lawson III's journey is a study in versatility and commitment. With a life that spans multiple sectors, including sports, finance, manufacturing and now author, his myriad accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary.

Sports Achievements:

Motorcycle Racing: Lawson Associates, founded in 1989, marked Bob's entry into professional motorcycle racing. He showcased his managerial brilliance by handling top racers such as AMA Hall of Fame Dirt Track Champion Jay Springsteen, and AMA Hall of Fame World/AMA Superbike Champion Doug Polen. Bob's vision also led to the establishment of AMA Superbike/Super-Sport Teams – namely, American Eagle Racing and CNC Jobs Racing.

Ice Hockey in Las Vegas: Between 1993 and 1995, Bob redefined ice hockey in Las Vegas. As the General Manager, Marketing Director, and Director of Hockey Operations of Santa Fe Casino Ice Arena, Bob took the helm of the Las Vegas Aces Hockey Team. Under his leadership, the Aces garnered the distinction of being the first documented professional hockey team playing a full league schedule with exclusively paid players.

Las Vegas Aces: His passion for the sport was evident in his dual role as the GM and Head Coach of the Las Vegas Aces. For two seasons, Bob guided the team, imprinting his mark on every game.

Las Vegas Flash: Bob's impact on the Roller Hockey International (RHI) scene was significant. As the General Manager of the Las Vegas Flash, Bob's foresight brought "Miracle on Ice" Gold Medalist and NHL Hall of Famer, Ken Morrow onboard as the Head Coach.

Flint Generals Hockey Club: The 1995-1996 season was a golden era for the Flint Generals Hockey Club, much credited to Bob. Serving as the VP of Marketing, he was a core member of the management team, ensuring the club's first-ever championship year. Under Bob's watch, the club set records in sellout games and league sponsorships.

On the Golf Course: The greens and fairways were no stranger to Bob. During the late 70's he showcased his talent as a touring professional across Florida and Georgia. During the 1976 season, Bob was the Head Professional of the Lapeer Country Club in MI and was instrumental in the design of an additional 9 holes.

Business Ventures: CNC Jobs Inc.: Bob co-founded CNC Jobs Inc. in 2003, which, under his leadership as CEO, metamorphosed into a dominant entity in manufacturing and technology employment. Pioneering a video-supported job board with son Blake Lawson and partners Melissa Mohr-Lawson and Melissa Lawson, CNC Jobs Inc. stands as the top-rated employment source for manufacturing in the United States.

ThreadForms Inc.: A visionary at just 21, Bob, along with his mentor and father, Robert Lawson Jr., established ThreadForms Inc. This cutting tool company was a game-changer in the industry, revolutionizing shipment practices by delivering custom-designed tooling within 24 hours.

A Legacy Beyond Business: While Bob's professional achievements are commendable, his heart beats loudest for his family. His six grandchildren (Avah, Alexa, Dylan, Peyton, Jayden, and Wesley) are a testament to his commitment to family values.

From the icy landscapes of Michigan to the high-stakes boardrooms, Bob Lawson's indomitable spirit has left an indelible mark. His legacy, built on adaptability, vision and an unyielding drive, will continue to inspire generations.

Dedication:

"I have been blessed with an amazing life filled with many accomplishments and hardships. Special thanks to my son Blake, who has ridden my roller coaster life and career path never leaving my side with his love, support, and, most of all, friendship. Additionally, to my wife Melissa (Missy) and the rest of my family and extended family, you have been there for whatever my crazy life has been.

But most of all, to God for always opening that door for me when another slammed shut." Author Richard Gubbe

Richard Gubbe has had a multi-faceted career that has encompassed writing, public relations and event production. He's held the positions of lead writer for Caesars Palace, editor-in-chief and lead writer for Las Vegas Magazine and features editor and magazine editor for the Las Vegas SUN. He's won writing awards for the Rock River Times, as a contributing writer for Elevate Magazine and as Sports Editor for Tazewell Publishing's stable of five newspapers on Illinois. He has freelance credits with USA Today, The Sporting News and Singapore Women's Weekly, Showbiz magazine, Nevadan magazine and Nevada Woman magazine. Whether it's investigative reporting, feature writing, editorial writing or business writing, he has excelled on all platforms, and he's interviewed some of the biggest names in show business and sports.

Gubbe was responsible for creating a casino customer magazine for Caesars, as well as the formation of a video library that catalogued movies, television shows and events held on the property. He also has been a public relations and sports marketing specialist for various entities in Nevada and Illinois.

Gubbe has helped produce some of the largest events in Las Vegas sports, including the lead coordinator for the outdoor hockey game at Caesars, the first ever pro hockey event in Las Vegas. His ice hockey career included playing in leagues in Illinois and Las Vegas that included a tryout with the New York Rangers in 1983. Other special events he helped promote include the lead coordinator for the Robbie Knievel Jump Over the Fountains at Caesars, worldwide boxing and kickboxing at Caesars, the Miss Universe Pageant, as well as off-road racing and hydroplane races in Nevada and Hawaii. He holds the attendance record for many events, including the Kickboxing Extravaganza for Showtime at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Gubbe won Illinois Press Association awards for his 23-part, award-winning series on toxic waste dumping in Northern Illinois – for Investigative Reporting (First Place) and another for News Reporting (Second Place). He won two consecutive first-place awards for Explanatory Journalism from the Nevada Press Association and writing and section awards for Tazewell Publishing.

Other positions held include copy editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, copy editor for the Southern Illinoisan and copy editor for Rockford Newspapers – serving in the areas of news, sports, features, health, business, travel and food that included page design work.

Along with writing news and feature stories and coordinating events at Caesars Palace, Gubbe performed event production for Image Media and PR for the Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas Flash and he served as an event consultant for the United States Navy. His PR writing and event credits are too numerous to mention.

Gubbe initiated a newspaper at Clark County Community College (College of Southern Nevada) while serving as an instructor, and he taught writing classes for continuing education programs. He also has been a ghost writer for two books and has been a grant writer for numerous charities in Nevada and Northern Illinois.

He's also had a 35-year career as a Reiki Master Teacher in Illinois and Nevada with more than 3,000 students in his classes. He taught at Clark County Community College in Las Vegas, and at Rock Valley College and Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Ill. He served as president of Reiki Energy International, a nonprofit group.

He received his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1977 from Southern Illinois University, serving as a paid staff writer for the 25,000 circulation Daily Egyptian student newspaper.

"My gratifying career has been filled with high-profile stories, celebrity interviews and record attendance for many events," Gubbe says. "My hard work has resulted in accolades, successes and unforgettable memories. I made the best of every opportunity."

Praise For…

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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the following people for their contributions: Rachel Gubbe (Editor), Peter Gubbe (Editor), Blake Lawson (Cover, Back Cover), Missy Mohr-Lawson, Barb and Bob Edmunds (Editors), Brad Way (Proofreader), Steve Stallworth, Marc Jacobson, Ron Garrett (Las Vegas Entertainment Radio AM 670 KMZQ Las Vegas) Adam Harahuc (Solid State Radio WTGV97.7 FM Lapeer, MI) Sarah Walters Baird (Design Editor), Phil Cooper, Darren Libonati, Martin Kessler, Dan Marrazza, Steve Carp, Ron Kantowski and Bob Shemeligian, Paul and Sue Lowden, Myron Freund and Cal Coleman, Getty Images (Knights photos), Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Los Angeles Kings, USA Hockey, as well as websites
Wikipedia, Vegas Golden Knights, NHL.com,, hockeyDB.com, ESPN, CBS Sports, USA Today, and Nice While It Lasted.
Thank you for helping to preserve hockey history in Las Vegas.