FACILITIES

The Las Vegas Thunderbirds proudly train and play in the City National Arena, the esteemed practice facility of the Vegas Golden Knights.

This hockey hub in the heart of Las Vegas is equipped with two NHL-sized ice rinks, state-of-the-art training facilities, and an atmosphere that fosters a competitive spirit. Adding to the professional experience, the Thunderbirds have their very own dedicated locker room in the arena.

This personalized space, solely for our team, further instills a sense of unity and fosters team culture. Training in such a revered setting, steeped in the legacy of the Golden Knights, not only provides our players with top-tier resources but fuels their passion and ambition in the sport.

The Thunderbirds’ dedicated commitment to excellence, reflected in our use of this premium facility, reinforces our mission to cultivate the next generation of hockey stars

COACHES

The Las Vegas Thunderbirds are guided by a dynamic coaching duo whose passion for hockey is second only to their dedication to player development.

Our head coach, Matt Johnson, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and strategic insight to the team. His innovative approach to coaching, combined with his innate understanding of the game, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success.

Assisting Matt is Landon Quinney, an exceptional tactician who excels in identifying and honing individual player strengths. His keen eye for detail and player potential complements Matt’s vision, creating a synergistic coaching team that strives to bring out the best in our Thunderbirds. Together, they foster an environment of continual growth, challenge, and improvement, underlining our commitment to nurturing promising talents and guiding them to reach their full potential

BILLETS

We have a very strong network of billet families in the Las Vegas area that have been helping the organization since the beginning.

If you have questions about the program, please reach out to billet@tbirds.vegas

Whether you’re a player, parent, or fan, we hope the information on this page helps you understand what the billeting experience is like for both the families and the Las Vegas Thunderbirds players.

These young hockey talents come from various parts of the globe to play hockey and enhance their skills in preparation for potential advancement to the college level or even to the NHL.

While our coaching staff oversees their on-ice development and care, an essential aspect of a Thunderbird player’s experience is what happens off-ice in the homes they are billeted in. We take pride in providing our players with the best accommodations possible and aim to pair each one with caring families in the local community. For many of our players, this is their first time away from home. Providing a stable home environment significantly contributes to the peace of mind and well-being of these 16-21-year-olds and their families back home. Many have found that becoming a billet family is a rewarding experience, forming unique bonds with the players in their care.

Help the Las Vegas Thunderbirds organization “Make a Difference” and become a Billet Family!

ON THE ROAD

Life on the road for the Las Vegas Thunderbirds mirrors our commitment to excellence, both on and off the ice. Our players travel in first-class comfort, using luxury buses that provide the perfect balance of comfort and functionality, allowing them to rest, study, or socialize during travel.

When it comes to accommodations, we ensure our players stay in reputable, major-branded hotels that offer high-quality services and amenities. These accommodations not only offer a comfortable place to rest after a day of travel or competition but also provide safe and secure environments conducive to focus and preparation for upcoming games.

As an organization dedicated to the holistic well-being of our athletes, we are equally committed to their nutritional needs. Understanding that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in athletic performance and overall health, we provide meals that are both delicious and nutritionally balanced. These meals are carefully planned to fuel our athletes with the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats that they need to maintain their peak physical condition and endurance.

Overall, our travel experience is designed to replicate the supportive and professional environment we cultivate at home. It is just one more way we invest in our players, ensuring that they have the resources and support necessary to excel in their junior hockey journey