Drew Johnson Started the Vegas Golden Knights Victory Flamino Tradition

What's With The Flamingos?

In March 2018, during their magical inaugural season, the Vegas Golden Knights were mired in a losing streak. They needed a spark, and season ticket member Drew Johnson had an idea.

Hockey has a long tradition of fans throwing animals – real and fake – on the ice to rally their teams or celebrate victories. It started in Detroit, where Red Wings fans began tossing octopus from a local seafood market on the ice.

In Nashville, Predators fans have a countrified version of the tradition where fans hurl catfish on the ice. After the Florida Panthers win, rubber rats pepper the ice.

Drew thought Golden Knights fans should have their own #VegasBorn tradition – but it had to be something that represented Las Vegas. It needed to be bright, fun, and kitschy. After some discussion with his wife Sarah, they decided a plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament would be perfect.

“A plastic flamingo is safe to throw on the ice, it’s bright and easy to see, it’s family-friendly, it always makes people smile, and unlike in Nashville and Detroit, no actual animals are harmed,” Drew said.

Drew snuck the first flamingo into The Fortress (T-Mobile Arena) on March 18, 2018, and tossed it on the ice after the Knights scored their first goal.

The flamingo proved to be lucky.

Vegas went on to win the game in dominating fashion. William Karlsson tallied a hat trick, and Marc-Andre Fleury earned a shutout.

A few games later, Drew began tossing flamingos on the ice after every Golden Knights win, and the Victory Flamingo was born.

As the Knights marched through the playoffs and into the Stanley Cup Final, the Victory Flamingo tradition took off, and dozens of flamingos found their way on the ice after every win.

“Fans can’t go on the ice and celebrate with the players after they win,” Drew says. “But tossing flamingos on the ice is a tangible way that fans can say, ‘We appreciate you. We know how hard you’re working on the ice.’ And the players interact with the flamingos, shooting them in the net, handing them to kids as souvenirs, and holding them like trophies as they skate off the ice following important wins.”

Today, Victory Flamingos are on the ice after almost every Golden Knights victory, both at home and on the road. Some fans wear flamingo-themed clothing and jewelry. The team store sells Victory Flamingo pucks, socks, stickers, and sweatshirts. When the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023, dozens and dozens of flamingos covered the ice. And it all started when Drew Johnson wanted to start a tradition that Las Vegas locals could call their very own.

“Las Vegas has always been a great city, but the Golden Knights helped make us a great community,” Drew said. “In our darkest hour, after the 1 October tragedy, the team inspired us, united us, and made us smile again.”

“In a city where tourists come to have a night to remember, this team has given locals a lifetime of unforgettable KNIGHTS!”

Flamingo Media

Get to Know Drew

Drew is a well-known government waste expert, public policy analyst, and author. He has devoted his career to fighting for individual liberty and responsible government.

He and his wife Sarah enjoy going to Golden Knights games (they’ve been season ticket members since year one), traveling, and hiking with their two rescue dogs, Olive and Nola Mae.