The NHL Goes to Utah: Introducing the New Utah Hockey Club

With the start of October, we’d like to wish you all a happy hockey season. 32 NHL teams are competing this season for the ultimate prize, The Stanley Cup.  However, this season is different because the new team, Utah Hockey Club, is having its inaugural season.

Previously the Arizona Coyotes, the team was bought by Ryan and Ashley Smith and transitioned to the Utah Hockey Club. The pair also owns Utah’s NBA team, Utah Jazz, and Major League Soccer, Real Salt Lake.  This is the first NHL team to play in Utah’s history.

The club established its fandom fast, letting their fan input determine the new club’s name.  Delta Center, home to Hockey Club and Jazz, has a fan-first approach to game viewing.  In honor of both teams playing at the arena, the president of revenue and commercial strategy, Chris Barney, announced that concession prices will be significantly lowered. 

“Today marks an unprecedented step in our continuous commitment to elevating the fan experience at Delta Center,” he shared. Being a sports fan is not for the weak, especially a New York sports fan, where water is $6.00 at a minimum—Utah’s prices max at $3, with water at only $2.

Utah Hockey Club kicked off their preseason on September 22 against the St. Louis Blues.  Their first home game was September 23 against the Los Angeles Kings.  History was made on October 8 when the club hosted and won its first-ever home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Utah’s first goal was scored by forward, Dylan Guenther, less than 5 minutes into the game. Utah’s captain, Clayton Keller, scored about 10 minutes after that.  Guenther’s stellar performances during the first week of games led to him being named the NHL’s “First Star” of the week.  The NHL picks three stars every week of the season to spotlight their performance.  It is not only limited to forwards but includes defensemen and goalies alike.

Utah has played five games this season—three of which they’ve won. One loss happened in overtime so both teams got points leading to Utah standing third overall in the Central Division, fourth in the Western Conference, and sixth in the League. 

Are you rooting for Utah Hockey Club this season? Leave a comment below.