Mark Shunock started his Golden Knights shift Saturday after working overtime.
The Golden Knights’ in-arena announcer flew out of Italy at 5:44 a.m. local time Saturday. Shunock was in his Mark Nash-emcee persona Friday at the WWE “SmackDown” event at Unipol Arena in Casalecchio di Reno, Bologna.
Shunock and his wife, Cheryl Daro, made up time in the air, Italy being nine hours ahead of Las Vegas. They landed at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time. Like a boxer entering a title fight, Shunock strode onto The Fortress deck at T-Mobile Arena at 4:30 p.m.
“This place is going to be popping tonight!” Shunock shouted upon arrival. “Let’s go!”
Shunock showed no ill effects when shouting that Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ man of the moment, was cranking the siren ahead of the first period. Teammates Tyler Linderbaum, Kolton Miller, Jackson Powers-Johnson, DJ Glaze, Trey Zuhn III, Spencer Burford and Caleb Rogers were all at the game.
Mendoza worked the prop with great zeal, while Shunock almost shredded his voice as his face turned red.
There is no nuance in Shunock’s act at T-Mobile. After the game he was spent, a little bedraggled, looking like he’d run a marathon and then being told he needed to walk back to his car. His presentation of the custom POPE LEO 14 Golden Knights jersey at the Vatican on Wednesday seems a dim memory.
Shunock’s only complaint was that he couldn’t find a souvenir pope-on-a-rope, soap-gag gift at the Vatican. The item has largely been discontinued.
Too bad. But Shunock is still in work mode, with a gig even before Tuesday’s Game 4. On Monday night, he’s is again firing up a crowd, leading us to …
Cool Hang Alert
Mondays Dark benefits Vegas Raider Dad, the nonprofit that helps kids see their first Raiders game at Allegiant Stadium. This is first a tailgate party, then a live performance. A keg is involved. A lineup of aces, including Katy Monroe, Daniel Emmet, Lannie Counts, Dai Richards, Christi Lynn, Colin Cahill, Val Witherspoon, Andrew Diessner, Woody Jarrett, Jassen Allen and Sujana Chand are on the bill. Kenny Davidsen at the keys; Paige Strafella and “Golden Pipes” himself, Carnell Johnson, on backing vocals. Shunock is minding the mirth, as is customary. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8, go to TheSpaceLV.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykatson X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.