Utah’s co-owner, Ryan Smith, characterized the inaugural NHL Draft for the Utah Hockey Club as a momentous occasion, underscoring the importance of a young player being able to embody the unique narrative of being the very first draft pick in the franchise’s history. The historic event unfolded at Sphere in Las Vegas in 2024, with Tij Iginla chosen as Utah’s first NHL pick. Iginla, son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, expressed profound honour at being selected and conveyed his enthusiasm about joining the new franchise.
The milestone was also acknowledged by Seattle Kraken’s first draft pick, Matty Beniers, who highlighted the honour and significance of being Utah’s inaugural draft pick. Utah’s franchise also made another noteworthy selection, picking Cole Beaudoin as their second-ever pick. Beaudoin expressed his excitement about joining the new franchise and the unique opportunity to contribute to its development.
Utah’s general manager, Bill Armstrong, articulated high expectations for the team’s first draft pick, Tij Iginla, stating his hope for a substantial impact on the team’s performance as a 50-goal scorer, reflecting the team’s optimism for the future. Armstrong also recognized the momentous nature of the event, emphasizing the milestone it represents for the state of Utah and the sport of hockey.
The establishment of the Utah Hockey Club by the NHL Board of Governors and the formal agreement with the Smiths to bring hockey to Utah marked a significant milestone for the state and the sport. Co-owner, Ryan Smith, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the achievement, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that went into making this historic event a reality. General manager Bill Armstrong acknowledged the tireless effort of the Smiths in bringing an NHL team to Utah, emphasizing the fitting nature of their involvement in announcing the historical draft picks.
The draft served as a symbol of the commencement of a new era for NHL hockey in Utah, with the Smiths and the entire organization expressing their enthusiasm for the future of the franchise. The unique distinction of being the first two first-round picks by the as-yet-unnamed NHL team in Utah was highlighted as a special moment shared by the new draft picks and the organization as a whole. The significance and excitement surrounding this memorable event were tangible, marking a significant moment in the history of NHL hockey in Utah.