SALT LAKE CITY — If you already have hockey withdrawals, now that the inaugural season is over for the Utah Hockey Club, this may help you. The players are now sharing what they think of their first year playing in Utah — kind of like a job exit interview — and they gave Utah a glowing review.
What do you say about the Utah Hockey Club’s first season? One full of thrilling highs, and a few “almosts” that didn’t go the team’s way.
“It’s been a really fun year for me. So I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” said Kevin Stenlund, UHC Forward.
“It was a pretty special year to be a part of the first season,” said John Merino, UHC Defenseman.
From the get-go, players said Utah made a great first impression.
“My neighborhood was pretty welcoming right away, I was getting gifts, dinners, all that stuff brought to the door,” said Sean Durzi, UHC Defenseman.
“When I moved in, there were more cookies and bread and candy that I’ve seen. My girls were loving it,” said Nick Bjugstad, UHC Forward.
They loved playing for fans hungry for hockey.
“Love the fans, it’s been a good city to play in,” said Matias Maccelli, UHC Forward
“I didn’t really know a lot about Utah coming in… obviously it’s a beautiful place with the mountains and everything, but it’s the people that make it special,” said Barrett Hayton, UHC Forward.
They’re hungry to give fans playoff hockey next year.
“I know we didn’t get the job done but at the same time that learning experience is so important for every single guy in the room,” Durzi said.
“I think the sky’s the limit for this team,” Bjugstad said.
So, what happens now? A lot of players are going back home to spend time with family for the off-season. When they come back, they might return to a team with a new name.