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The Utah Hockey Club wins the first NHL game in franchise history

The Utah Hockey Club wins the first NHL game in franchise history

The Utah Hockey Club picked up the first win in its franchise history on Tuesday night.

Utah never trailed in its game against the Chicago Blackhawks, getting two goals from Dylan Guenther in the 5-2 win in the season opener. Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton and Lawson Crouse also found the net for the NHL's newest hockey franchise.

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Utah players celebrate

Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi, #50, defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and center Nick Schmaltz, #8, celebrate a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps)

The atmosphere in Salt Lake City was electric throughout the day – a fan celebration, an outdoor concert with Shaboozey and a watch party kept fans entertained.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markanen shot out the celebratory puck and presented it to Utah team owner Ryan Smith. Ashley Smith then dropped the pick in front of Keller and Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno before the game began.

“This is probably the most excitement I’ve ever experienced at a hockey game. When I come to the rink today, even though it's skating in the morning, you still feel like you're getting chills,” Utah forward Logan Cooley said after the game. via The Salt Lake Tribune.

Dylan Guenther scores

Utah Hockey Club defenseman Juuso Valimaki, #4, center Jack McBain, second from left, and right wing Dylan Guenther, #11, celebrate after Guenther scores in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks scored a goal in Salt Lake City in 2024. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps)

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“There's excitement all over the city and it's just so exciting. It feels like you’re in the best moment of your life with these people.”

Ryan Smith, who is also majority owner of the Jazz, said the evening was all fun.

“We’re just trying to put on a fun event that everyone in the community will remember,” he said. “It's not more complicated than that. This is a moment that speaks for itself. Everyone knows he's coming. We can do it once.”

Connor Bedard's faceoff

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, #98, and Utah Hockey Club center Barrett Hayton, #27, meet during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps)

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The Utah Hockey Club was formed from the demise of the Arizona Coyotes. The franchise acquired players, coaches and draft picks from the franchise in lieu of an expansion draft. However, the Coyotes' history will remain in Arizona.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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