- Slug: Sports–Utah Hockey Club Reax, 1,900 words.
- 2 photos available.
By Chase Beardsley
Cronkite News
SALT LAKE CITY – Rally towels, singer Shaboozey and slushie-drinking contests. All were features of the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural game at the Delta Center, marking the NHL’s first regular-season game in Salt Lake City. While the team let the local fans go home happy, winning 5-2 over the Chicago Blackhawks, reminders of where the franchise was a year ago were everywhere.
Forward Dylan Guenther got the crowd on their feet early Tuesday night, just 4:56 into the game. The young Edmonton native scored the first-ever goal in Utah franchise history and more than likely, found a spot in Utah fans’ hearts as well after scoring a second goal late in the third period.
Guenther was once in the hearts of Arizona Coyotes fans. After the team selected him ninth overall in 2021, the forward had 50 points in 78 games across two seasons. He was expected to be a pillar of success for the franchise’s future ambitions. Now, he’s the property of Utah, looking to help it make the playoffs. Continue reading “Utah Hockey Club’s debut provides exciting beginning for some fans, difficult closure for others”