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44 // JULY 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Knights offered a Spanish-language broadcast so the entire community might embrace the expansion franchise. " When we visit elementary schools in Clark County to introduce them to ball hockey, there is an even higher proportion of Spanish speak- ers than in the adult population," he said. "It's important that those students not only get to experience playing hockey, but they can follow our team on the Spanish broadcast. That creates a real way of showing that audience that this is a welcoming sport." Chicago was one of the first NHL teams to offer the broadcasts to a city where 33% of its resi- dents speak Spanish. The organization added games each year since Chicago area natives Esparza and Moreno started in 2019. "It is amazing what the Blackhawks have done to make us a part of their organization," Esparza said. "That is an even bigger step than just having these games. They have done it with such class. They include us in everything and make sure we are part of the team, not just the guys who do the Spanish broadcast." All three expect the sport to grow among Spanish speakers and are hopeful more NHL teams will broadcast consistently. Lopez noticed a sizeable number of Mexican Americans celebrating during Vegas' Stanley Cup parade and heard cheers whenever he waved a Mexican flag. "What we are doing now is just the tip of the sword," Lopez concluded. P EXCLUSIVE ONLINE BONUS CONTENT 44 // SEPTEMBER 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Chicago was one of the first NHL teams to offer the broadcasts to a city where 33% of its residents speak Spanish. p Check out some of Jorge Moreno's play-by-play calls as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks broadcast team. p Take a look back at Mark Stone's hat trick during the Stanley Cup Finals through Vegas Golden Knights broadcaster Jesus Lopez.