When the Vegas Golden Knights hit the ice at City National Arena, superfan Kat Craner is rarely far behind.
Known affectionately as Kat the Hockey Mom, Craner has become a familiar face at team practices and morning skates. Shes attended more than 600 sessions since 2018, missing fewer than 30.
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Golden Knights superfan attends 600+ practices to support team and fans
They wait for it, Craner said of the fans who tune in to her livestreams. So I think it means a lot to them.
What began as a simple favor during the Golden Knights inaugural playoff run has evolved into a daily ritual. Craner, a Lyft driver, started filming practices to help a friend who couldnt make it to the rink. Word spread quickly, and soon, others began watching too.
I started doing it during the playoffs for a friend who had trouble getting here, she said.
Despite knee problems that require her to use a walker, Craner brings a 15-pound chair with her to each practice so she can record comfortably from her usual spot.
Craner smiled when asked if attending practice every day ever feels like work: Yeah, she said. It kind of is.
Her dedication hasnt gone unnoticed. On her 600th practice, the team surprised her with a custom jersey.
They just came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder, Craner said. I had a sign that said it was my 600th. They gave me a jersey and thanked me and I cried.
Though her son is now an adult, Craner wears her hockey mom nickname with pride. Shes formed bonds with both fans and playersmany of whom know her by name.
I have so many friends now, she said. It just gives us all something to come together and do a lot.
For Craner, showing up isnt about content. Its about connection.
Its completely changed my life, she said. Im a totally different person than I was before I started coming into hockey.
