Las Vegas to host 2009 NHL Awards

It’s not a team or an All-Star game, but a major professional sports league is bringing an event to Las Vegas.

The Palms Hotel and Casino announced today the National Hockey League’s annual awards celebration would take place inside the resort’s Pearl Concert Theater on June 18.

Tickets to the 2009 NHL Awards will go on sale March 24 at Ticketmaster.com and at the Pearl Concert Theater Box Office.

The NHL said it signed a three-year agreement with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to bring the awards program to Las Vegas.

“We are so thrilled to be the host of the 2009 NHL Awards,” said Palms owner George Maloof. “Working with the National Hockey League in bringing this event to Las Vegas is something that will be great for our community.”

The 2009 NHL Awards will feature the announcement of the league’s top regular-season performers in a host of categories including most valuable player (Hart Trophy), outstanding goaltender (Vezina Trophy), outstanding defenseman (Norris Trophy) and outstanding rookie (Calder Trophy).

Said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, “Las Vegas specializes in shining the spotlight on outstanding performers. Its innate energy offers an exciting setting for our celebration of excellence.”