The Utah Hockey Club recently hosted a scrimmage featuring some of its young prospects, resulting in a victory for Team White. This captivating exhibition took place at the Delta Center and featured players from the previous week’s NHL Draft, as well as some of the top prospects in Utah’s farm system.
The scrimmage marked the culmination of a week-long development camp, during which Utah HC’s players engaged in rigorous practice sessions in Park City and participated in both on-ice and off-ice workouts to enhance their skills. Prior to the scrimmage, Utah general manager Bill Armstrong, head coach Andre Tourigny, and team president Chris Armstrong provided valuable insights about the development camp, the exhibition, and the team’s future plans to the media.
The event commenced with the introduction of Utah’s players to an enthusiastic audience at the Delta Center, with first-round draft pick Tij Iginla receiving a particularly raucous ovation. The players were divided into Team White and Team Black, with Team White asserting an early lead and maintaining their advantage throughout the scrimmage.
The game showcased impressive performances from players such as Danil But, who secured a hat-trick for Team White, and Tij Iginla, who also scored a powerful goal. The event concluded with an exhilarating shootout for the fans to savour.
Subsequent to the contest, Utah HC’s director of player development Lee Stempniak, first-round pick Cole Beaudoin, and Iginla engaged with the media to discuss their experiences at the development camp and their participation in the scrimmage. Overall, it proved to be a successful event for both the players and the organization, providing invaluable preparation ahead of preseason play and Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season as an NHL franchise.
Looking ahead, Utah Hockey Club is poised to commence its 2024 preseason schedule against the St. Louis Blues at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa on September 22, with its first preseason home game set against the LA Kings on September 23. The squad will then launch its inaugural season at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City with a home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 8.
With the anticipation building for the upcoming season, fans are eager to witness how the team will fare in its maiden year as an NHL franchise. The players demonstrated their talent and dedication during the development camp and scrimmage, and they are now prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
As the countdown to the start of the season continues, the Utah Hockey Club remains resolute and determined to make a formidable impression in the NHL. It’s an exhilarating period for both the players and the fans, and excitement is palpable for what promises to be an unforgettable inaugural season.
Kyle Ireland, a Utah Hockey Club Insider for KSLSports.com, will continue to provide updates and insights as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for all the latest news and developments as the excitement builds for the much-anticipated debut of the Utah Hockey Club in the NHL.