The Utah Hockey Club wrapped its first preseason in team history with a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche at the Maverik Center on Saturday night. The Hockey Club dressed most of its Opening Night lineup, with a couple of hopefuls getting one last look.
Dylan Guenther and Nick Schmaltz got the goals for the Hockey Club. Guenther opened the scoring a little over two minutes into the first period. Then, with the score tied at two in the third, Schmaltz connected to give the Utah Hockey Club a 2-1 lead on the power play.
Ivan Ivan responded for the Avs.
Connor Ingram made 30 saves to seal the win for the Hockey Club. With Saturday night’s performance, Ingram looks set as Utah’s starting netminder. Karel Vejmelka will be his backup as the Hockey Club opens the season at the Delta Center against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 8.
Looking ahead to the Utah Hockey Club’s final roster
There are no major surprises expected on the Utah Hockey Club’s final roster. One pleasant surprise is PTO invitee Kailer Yamamoto. Yamamoto has had an impressive preseason, most likely landing him a spot on the Hockey Club’s third line.
If all goes well, Yamamoto could provide solid depth scoring. While a 20-goal season may be too much to ask at this point, production anywhere between over 10 goals and 30 points would be a wonderful outcome for a player who has struggled to stay in the NHL.
Meanwhile, Utah fans have plenty to look forward to stars like Guenther, Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Sean Durzi are all part of a young core that could lead the Hockey Club to its first-ever playoff appearance.
The team’s final roster should be announced early next week, mostly likely on Monday. However, fans may not get a look at the official Opening Night lineup until Tuesday morning.