Fleury already is a big hit in Vegas

Frank Harnish, host of the Vegas Golden Knights Insider Show on Fox Sports Radio 98.9 FM and 1340 AM. “I haven’t heard anybody who wasn’t stoked when they found out not only that he’s available but the way he’s available — with him being a team-first guy and waiving his no-movement clause.

“That speaks volumes about him, and I think that’s why hockey fans and novice fans are all so excited about the guy.”

The Armory — the team store’s formal name — officially opened at 10 a.m. Tuesday, and it didn’t take long for a parade of Penguins fans to come marching through the doors.

Jon Hasenkopf, 68, of Brookline, scanned through a rack of T-shirts, hoping to find one with Fleury’s name on it.

His wife, Karen, said everybody in their 10-person travel party wants a Fleury shirt, and they planned to come back Thursday, assuming general manager George McPhee selects Fleury late Wednesday.

“I’m happy to see him succeed some place,” said Karen, 68, when asked about the prospect of Fleury playing in Vegas.

“He’s still good,” added Tamie Davis, 59, of Forest Hills. “He still has plenty of years on his career. He just can’t be sitting.”

“It will be weird for him, for sure, the geographical change and everything,” Jon Hasenkopf said. “But [Matt] Murray getting hurt the first game of the playoffs didn’t hurt [Fleury].”

Greg Costa, 54, grew up in East Liberty and lived in Squirrel Hill for 26 years before jumping cities to pursue a career in the food and beverage industry.

In Las Vegas, Costa is the director of operations for Levy, which oversees the food service at T-Mobile Arena, the Knights’ sparkling new building.

Costa is excited about Fleury potentially joining the Knights to scratch his own Pittsburgh itch but also because it’s what he thinks the organization can use.

“I think a Flower can grow in the desert,” Costa quipped. “People understand what they’re getting. He would be some one to rally around.

“Bringing Flower here, it would give us something to build our foundation on.”

Terry Dupley, 45, was in town from Cranbrook, British Columbia, sporting a Penguins hat as he perused the store with his wife and two children. As a Manitoba native, Dupley is hoping Vegas flips Fleury to the Winnipeg Jets, but he also hopes for Fleury to find happiness wherever he goes.

“I’m sad to see him go,” Dupley said. “But, as long as he’s not going to the [Philadelphia] Flyers or [Washington] Capitals, it’s all good.”

Ryan Wallace broadcasts alongside Harnish. The two were maneuvering through the crowded store Tuesday, filming promotional spots for the Knights.

They continually referenced the Knights’ soon-to-be roster, but there’s one name that stands out above the rest, the same guy Pittsburgh never has not called its own.

“Should Fleury be selected, it would mean a lot for the organization,” Wallace said.

“You’re going to be able to look at a guy who’s always been team-first. His demeanor, the way that he carries himself — as the ultimate professional — he would rub off great on the team.

“Plus, fans know him. He’s the one who stands out here in town. You can see that. You can hear that. If his name is called on Wednesday, trust me, it’s going to be a to a very loud ovation.”