The Utah Hockey Club will be officially opening its inaugural season against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Delta Center. Tuesday night’s puck drop will make the beginning of the NHL’s newest franchise, with fans hoping to see the Hockey Club make the playoffs.
In anticipation of the momentous event, the club has organized a number of activities leading up to puck drop. The Smith Entertainment Group kicked off the festivities with a press conference to officially mark the season’s opening.
Then, fans were invited to several outdoor activities including free live music, food, and drinks. The activities provided fans with an opportunity to see the Hockey Club’s players as they arrived at the Delta Center.
Here’s a look at what fans can expect leading up to puck drop:
The Utah Hockey Club will hold a special pre-game concert featuring Shaboozey. The 2024 People's Choice Award winner will kick off the celebration as fans get together outside the arena.
Then, at 6:30 pm, a flyover of F35 jets will honor the Hockey Club’s first game. The flyover is part of the relationship between the Utah Hockey Club and the Hill Air Force Base located in Utah. Pilots from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings will take part in the honors.
Lastly, there will be an outdoor Watch Party once fans have entered the arena. Two large screens will be placed outside the arena to broadcast the game for fans attending the outdoor party.
Where to watch the Utah Hockey Club’s first-ever game
Utah’s first-ever game will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. ESPN’s GameDay will have live coverage throughout the evening leading up to puck drop. The Hockey Club’s game is part of a tripleheader that covers all three matchups for Tuesday night, including the Seattle Kraken vs the St. Louis Blues, the Florida Panthers against the Boston Bruins, and the nightcap, the Hockey Club taking on the Blackhawks.
The game should be a spirited event as both the Blackhawks and the Hockey Club will be looking to start the season on the right foot. Hockey Club fans should expect to see captain Clayton Keller lead a talented team that has playoff aspirations.
Connor Ingram is expected to get the start in the crease. Ingram is coming off a strong camp and hopefully will backstop the Hockey Club to its first win in franchise history.