The Utah Hockey Club wrapped up its inaugural NHL season with a spirited but bittersweet 4-3 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators in their final home game at the Delta Center. Though playoff hopes were dashed earlier, the night was a celebration of the team’s unexpected success and the explosive growth of hockey in Utah.
A Season of Surprises and Standouts Goaltender Karel Vejmelka, nicknamed "Veggie," emerged as the heart of the team, earning the players’ vote for Team MVP. The 28-year-old posted career-best numbers: a 25-21-8 record, 2.51 GAA, and .906 save percentage, including a 12-6-4 streak in 22 consecutive starts—the NHL’s longest since 2018-19. Forward Dylan Guenther also shined, leading the team with 16 Three Stars selections and tying for the NHL lead in game-winning goals (9).
Fanfare and Future Promise The finale doubled as a fan appreciation event, with players hurling merchandise into the stands and discounts at the team store. Alternate captain Alexander Kerfoot praised the crowd: "They’ve been unbelievable all year long. There’s great things to come". The sold-out Delta Center (averaging over 12,000 fans) showcased Utah’s rapid embrace of hockey, with captain Clayton Keller noting fans’ quick grasp of nuances like power plays and offsides.
Building Momentum Off the Ice Construction is underway on a $1.2 billion practice facility in Sandy, set to open in September 2025 with dual NHL rinks and community spaces. The team’s community programs, including youth hockey partnerships and healthcare worker tributes, further cemented its local ties. Owner Ryan Smith’s vision—evident in 11,000 season-ticket deposits sold within hours—now focuses on sustaining momentum: "Our goal is ... truly building out this sport".
Looking Ahead As the temporary "Utah Hockey Club" branding gives way to a permanent identity next season, the foundation is set. Defenseman Sean Durzi captured the optimism: "In 20 years, [hockey] will be in a pretty good spot here". With Vejmelka anchoring the roster and the community all-in, Utah’s NHL experiment has already defied expectations.