Las Vegas – A night of Rebel pride and local sports triumphs unfolded on Thursday. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class, the Oakland Athletics introduced a new general manager, and the Vegas Golden Knights earned a 2‑1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

UNLV Hall of Fame honors five contributors

The Rebels celebrated five individuals whose achievements have shaped UNLV athletics. Charley Hoffman, a member of the 1998 NCAA championship golf team, has gone on to win four PGA Tour events, making him one of the most successful professional golfers from the program. Former quarterback Jason Thomas led the Rebels to an 8‑5 season in 2000, highlighted by a 31‑14 Las Vegas Bowl upset of Arkansas, and still holds the school record for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

Las Vegas native Erick Fedde, the 18th overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft, earned Mountain West Pitcher of the Year honors before establishing a career in Major League Baseball. Terry Cottle, who devoted more than three decades to UNLV athletics as a coach and administrator, helped build the foundation of the Rebel program. Finally, distinguished contributor Bill Paulos, a 1969 graduate, has long supported the university, including backing for the Mendenhall Center and the Fertitta Football Complex.

“Once a Rebel, always a Rebel,” the university proclaimed, emphasizing the lasting impact of these athletes, leaders, and supporters on the campus community.

Oakland Athletics bring championship experience to Las Vegas

The Athletics announced Cam Castro as the franchise’s new general manager, joining recently hired president of baseball operations Taylor Smith. Castro, 36, arrives after eight seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he helped the club win a World Series title. Starting as a minor‑league pitching coach in 2019, he rose to senior vice president of player development and performance, overseeing pitching development and player‑performance systems.

Castro’s expertise is expected to be vital as the A’s prepare for their permanent move to Las Vegas in 2028. The team finished the 2026 season with a 64‑98 record, posting a league‑worst 5.43 ERA. Strengthening the pitching staff is a top priority, and Castro’s background in developing young arms could be the catalyst the organization needs to become a consistent winner.

Smith, who previously held front‑office roles with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, said Castro will oversee both major‑ and minor‑league development, including coaching and player‑performance systems. Together they will shape roster decisions and the long‑term strategy for the Athletics as they transition to a new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.

Golden Knights edge Red Wings in a tight contest

In the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights secured a 2‑1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. Trevor Connelly broke a tie with 1:42 remaining in regulation, while Braeden Bowman tied the game earlier in the third period. Goaltender Carter Hart made 25 saves for the Knights, who improved to 11‑5‑2 on the season.

Detroit’s Anton Johansson scored the Red Wings’ lone goal early in the third period, and goaltender Daniil Tarasov stopped 32 shots. The Red Wings fell to 7‑7‑3 after two consecutive losses.

Next up, the Golden Knights travel to Buffalo on Sunday, while the Red Wings head to Colorado on Saturday night.

What these stories mean for the community

UNLV’s Hall of Fame ceremony underscores the university’s commitment to honoring athletic excellence and fostering a sense of pride among students, alumni, and local fans. The Athletics’ hiring of Cam Castro signals a strategic push to bring championship‑level expertise to a franchise that will soon call Las Vegas home, promising new jobs and economic activity for the region. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ win adds to the city’s growing reputation as a vibrant sports market, offering residents exciting entertainment and reinforcing Las Vegas’s status as a major league destination.

These developments reflect the city’s dedication to supporting tradition, family‑focused community events, and the liberty of fans to enjoy top‑tier sports in a city that values faith, family, and freedom.

Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.