The NHL isn't known for being the most astute regarding its marketing towards its star players. However, they scored a goal with the Stanley Pup, a fun competition where dogs represent certain NHL superstars. The NHL partnered with various organizations, including Petco Love, to find adoptable rescue dogs a new home. Think of it as the Puppy Bowl, only with a hockey atmosphere. With the start of the Stanley Cup Final happening in the same week, why not have some adorable canine buddies duking it out for supremacy?
What's more, the Vegas Golden Knights had a representative. Mark Bone, a.k.a. Tippy Velvet, was named in honor of Vegas captain Mark Stone and is a part of the first-ever competition. Mark Bone is a 12-week-old mixed breed from Brandywine Valley SPCA who represented the West. Look at how adorable the little guy is!
Now that's a perfect dog. He looks like a great fit in any home, bringing joy to any family who adopts the friendly canine. In a time where pets need plenty of love, Mark Bone looks like he could be more than "man's best friend," for the little guy can be anybody's best friend.
But back to the competition, which featured dogs named after other big names in the NHL. That includes Quinn Hughes ("Quinn Chews"), David Pastrnak ("David Pupstrnak"), and Joe Pavelski ("Joe Pawvelski"). Who wouldn't want a lineup as cute and cuddly as these tiny canines?
Mark Stone is the trailblazer for the Vegas Golden Knights in this adorable competition. However, there should be more love from the organization in this event, specifically with different representatives. Here are three more Golden Knights who need a little pup named in their honor for the... Stanley Pup.
Jack Eichel, a.k.a. "Jack Russell Eichel"
This one is an easy pick. Everyone recognizes Jack Eichel as a part of the Vegas Golden Knights. That's why he's a part of the Amazon docu-series which features other superstars like William Nylander and Connor McDavid. He and Mark Stone are two of the more famous talents on the team, with the superstar leaving everyone stunned by his excellent play.
Another plus to having a pup named after Jack Eichel is the name itself. All you need to do is add "Russell" to the name. That's it. Get a Jack Russell Terrier for the player and everything's set. Jack "Russell" Eichel is the next big hit at the Stanley Pup, with thousands of loving families looking to adopt the little canine.
Name recognition earns a superstar athlete numerous opportunities. That leads to endorsement deals, being featured on the cover of the NHL video game series from EA Sports, and more. Most of all, it earns players the chance to have a cute dog named after them. Eichel deserves this honor in the future, especially as one of the faces of the Golden Knights.
Brett Howden, a.k.a. "Brett Howl-den"
Not much is known about Brett Howden, other than he's a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights. He's not a household name like Mark Stone or Jack Eichel, for he's a quieter hockey player stat-wise. However, there's a good reason why Howden should be represented in the Stanley Pup.
It all comes with the name, where "Brett Howl-den" fits like a collar on a dog. The nameplay itself is perfect, for it hits on a canine's basic actions. The Arizona Coyotes could've used a creative name like this before heading to Utah, for it would've been a home run.
Yes, Brett Howden isn't the most recognized Golden Knights player. That's what scoring eight goals and 11 assists in a season (72 games) does for a player. But the nameplay is perfect, with fans smiling at its sheer perfection. But what breed would "Howl-den" be?
Howden looks like he'd be a Golden Retriever if he were a dog. He looks like he has plenty of energy on the ice, bouncing around to make plays. Therefore, "Brett Howl-den" would be a Golden Retriever, seeking the puck wherever he goes. Plus, "Golden" Retriever and "Golden" Knights would be a great fit for the word relationship alone.
Ivan Barbashev, a.k.a. "Ivan Bark-Ashev"
Like Brett Howden, Ivan Barbshev works for the nameplay aspect. "Bark-Ashev" is a flawless name for a Vegas Golden Knights fan to give their dog. It's an endearing name that's simple and adorable. With Barbashev etching his name into the history of the Golden Knights franchise, it makes perfect sense to add him to a future Stanley Pup.
One note is the Russian forward is a bit physical, amassing 180 hits this season. He's known to get down and dirty on the ice, laying out players to leave them rattled. That's why Vegas went after him at last season's trade deadline, for he brought some bite to their game.
So what would breed would "Bark-Ashev" be? He's someone who can play the entire rink. Although a Siberian Husky can be a handful for their boundless energy, it's a good fit for the center. Plus, they're faster and capable of slipping past adversaries, like Barbashev on the breakaway. Therefore, "Bark-Ashev" would be perfect as a Siberian Husky, zipping around with Jack Eichel (a.k.a. "Jack Russell Eichel").
