Utah Hockey Club has been one of the astounding teams this season. However, it’s been a rollercoaster week for the team. Uath’s defenseman Sean Durzi will be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
Durzi got hurt after a hit from Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in Monday’s loss to the Devils, 3-0. It appeared as if Durzi hurt his left shoulder when he went down.
The 25-year-old is part of their team's success. He has recorded two assists in four games with Utah this season. Losing Durzi is another tough loss for their defense.
John Marino has been on the injury list since the beginning of the season, and we are waiting to hear more about his duration and when he can return. Utah's blue line is in shambles because it lacks Durzi and Marino. Utah can’t afford to lose more defensive players.
Sean Durzi and John Marino: Two Key Utah Hockey Club Injuries on Defense
General Manager Bill Armstrong recently joined 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone, and he broke the news about Durzi’s injury. What was tough to hear was when Armstrong stated that he didn’t know when Durzi would return.
It’s never good news when you hear about a talented player being “out indefinitely.” Those are words fans and organizations never want to hear. But it’s reality. Injuries are part of sports, and hockey is a very physical sport.
Durzi is in his second season with the team. In his first season, he posted nine goals and 32 assists. Before coming to the organization, he signed a two-year, one-way contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
Durzi led Kings defensemen with an average ice time of 21:30 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a seven-game loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference First Round.
Durzi is in the middle of a four-year contract with the Utah Hockey Club. Utah will need Durzi and Marino to be healthy long-term for this team to compete in a tough Western Conference.
Utah’s defense is solid but could get better with time. It is one reason they got off to a good start to the season. Utah lost to the Anaheim Ducks in overtime on Wednesday night.
Utah started the season 3-0 and is now 3-1-1. Who’s their next opponent? Well, their schedule won’t get any easier because they will take on the Boston Bruins on Saturday at 9 pm EST. The upside is that they will come home to play against them.
Utah needs to win this game and avoid going on a losing streak. Other players must step up for Utah and fill Durzi and Marino's defensive assignment role.