Liam O’Brien, the left winger for the Utah Hockey Club, greeted enthusiastic fans as he arrived for the team’s inaugural game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, October 7, 2024. The event marked the start of the club’s first season, creating a vibrant atmosphere inside the arena that was enhanced by unseasonably warm October weather outside.
Just 173 days after Ryan and Ashley Smith relocated the Arizona Coyotes to Utah, the team faced off against the famed Blackhawks, one of the National Hockey League’s original teams, in what became Utah’s first regular season game. Excitement filled the air as fans celebrated the arrival of NHL hockey to the state, with festivities kicking off in the plaza before the game and extending throughout the evening.
A full house of 16,020 spectators, including nearly 5,000 in obstructed view seats, gathered to witness the historic matchup. The night exceeded expectations both on the ice and in the stands, as the Utah Hockey Club triumphed with a score of 5-2.
Fans reveled in the experience, with one attendee, Marcus Zaccaria, expressing his elation over the event, highlighting the thrill of the opening ceremony and the significance of the moment for Utah. The pregame festivities featured a video showcasing the journey of the game puck from NHL headquarters to Utah, culminating in its delivery to the ice by NBA player Lauri Markkanen.
The energy in the building surged even before puck drop, as chants of “Let’s go, Utah” echoed through the arena. Within just under five minutes, the Crowd erupted when Dylan Guenther scored the team’s first-ever goal, followed shortly after by another goal from captain Clayton Keller. Liam O’Brien quickly endeared himself to fans with his spirited play, earning cheers of “Spicy Tuna” as he battled on the ice.
Despite some tense moments as the Blackhawks closed the gap with goals in the second and third periods, Guenther sealed the victory with an empty net goal, followed by another from Lawson Crouse, ensuring the crowd’s jubilant celebration continued.
Outside the Delta Center, fans gathered for pregame festivities, which included performances and a warm welcome for players arriving in style. The enthusiastic reception highlighted a clear passion for hockey, with many fans dressed in team merchandise or featuring jerseys from different NHL clubs.
As the night concluded with victory for the Utah Hockey Club, both players and fans expressed hope for a successful season ahead, embracing the excitement and potential as the new chapter for hockey in Utah unfolded.