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At the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, stands Mike Muir, assistant Athletic Trainer and a key figure behind one of the most thrilling success stories in NHL history.
Starting with the Billings Bulls hockey club, Muir's journey to the pinnacle of professional hockey is nothing short of remarkable.
Muir, with the Golden Knights since their inception in 2017, played a pivotal role in the team's rapid ascent to NHL glory.
His efforts culminated in a jubilant moment a few months ago when the team clinched the Stanley Cup.
"It was pretty amazing. A lot of jumping in the air, hugging all my teammates – the performance group, the equipment guys. And then a chance on the ice to lift the Cup.”
His path from hoisting the Borne Cup multiple times with Billings in the 1990s to the Stanley Cup with Vegas exemplifies his dedication to the sport.
"If you enjoy doing it, it’s not work.”
The Vegas Golden Knights, known for their fiery debut, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their first year, continued their impressive form by hammering Florida 9-3 last June. The celebratory atmosphere in the locker room post-victory was a testament to the team's camaraderie and spirit.
A special bond within the team is evident between Muir and defenseman Alec Martinez, who fondly refers to Muir as "Muirsey" or "Meercat." Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, highlights the unique experience of their latest victory, sharing, "How many opportunities in life do you get to see someone fulfill a lifelong dream?"
Beyond the arena, the Stanley Cup brings a personal touch to the winners. Muir chose to bring the Cup to his hometown in Ottawa for a fundraiser, contributing significantly to local youth sports. Martinez's third Cup celebration was a more laid-back affair, reminiscent of a wedding without the cake.
Muir's journey with the Cup also included a memorable photo opportunity with his wife, Kim Maxwell, and a visit to the White House, where President Joe Biden humorously remarked on the team's desert-based success.
Looking forward, the Golden Knights, guided by team owner Bill Foley, have partnered with Scripps Sports to bring their games to a broader audience across Montana. As Muir stands on the bench, his motto, "Uplift the Players to Lift up the Cup," now amended with "Again," reflects the team's ambition to repeat their success.
In a career that blends athletic training with emotional milestones, Muir's story stands as an inspiring testament to dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of sports.
