Here’s what’s next for Las Vegas’ NHL team

Have questions about Las Vegas getting an NHL franchise? We have some answers about what’s next for Las Vegas’ expansion team. 

When will the team officially be announced?

The NHL Board of Governors meets June 22, and a two-thirds vote from the 30 teams is needed to approve expansion to Las Vegas. It is expected to pass.

What will the team be called?

All indications are the team will be called the Black Knights.

Why the Black Knights?

Bill Foley, the billionaire businessman behind Las Vegas’ pursuit of an expansion team, is an Army West Point graduate and intends to use the nickname of his alma mater. He already has cleared using the name with West Point.

When will they start playing?

The team is expected to begin play in the 2017-18 season.

Where will they play?

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas’ new venue between New York-New York and Monte Carlo. The arena seats 17,500 for hockey.

Where can I get tickets?

Season-ticket plans, full and partial, are available through the team’s website, vegaswantshockey.com. There already are 14,000 deposits for season tickets.

When will merchandise be available?

Some might be available after the announcement, but we’re not sure. It probably won’t be until the team’s logo is approved during the summer.

When will the team get players?

The team will acquire a roster in the June 2017 expansion draft, plus Las Vegas will participate in the 2017 NHL entry draft. Read more about the rules of the expansion draft here.

What will the team’s first hires be?

The team will have to hire a president of hockey operations and general manager to run its front office. Foley has a list of names he’d like to pursue.

When will the team get a coach?

The team probably will hire a coach after the 2016-17 NHL season.

Where will the team’s American Hockey League affiliate be?

The team is looking at putting its Triple-A minor league team in Las Vegas, Reno, Fresno, California, Salt Lake City or Sacramento, California.

Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BenSGotz