The Utah Hockey Club is set to make its debut in the regular season Tuesday as they go up against the Chicago Blackhawks, a historic franchise in the NHL.
The Blackhawks are part of the league’s “Original Six” teams and have a storied history, with six Stanley Cup victories over their 97 seasons. The team’s recent rebuild is highlighted by the selection of generational talent Connor Bedard, who was drafted first overall in 2023. Alongside another top prospect, Artyom Levshunov, picked in 2024, the Blackhawks are looking to rebuild their roster for future success, potentially setting the stage for a rivalry with Utah HC in the coming years.
Connor Bedard, a talented young center from North Vancouver, is famously known for his impressive scoring ability and playmaking skills. During his draft year, he scored 143 points in just 57 games in the WHL, showcasing his potential impact on the ice.
As for the Chicago Blackhawks, expectations for this season are tempered as they are still in the rebuilding phase and not seen as playoff contenders. However, the addition of experienced players like Laurent Brossoit and Alec Martinez, along with talent such as Teuvo Teravainen, suggests a marked improvement from last year’s performance.
Fans attending the season opener are encouraged to arrive early for a range of festivities at the Delta Center, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. The event will feature appearances by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, live coverage from ESPN, live music, and a special game day walk for the players, among other activities.
The matchup will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ESPN+, but will not be available on Utah HC+ or through cable providers.