Utah Hockey Club takes bold jab at the Blackhawks followed by a historic win in inaugural game
Photo credit: ESPN
You won't believe the latest jab from the Utah Hockey Club aimed at Chicago Blackhawks fans as they walked into the Delta Center for the first time. The organization took a playful dig and changed their WiFi network name to reference one of the most infamous moments from the Chicago Bulls' history, Michael Jordan's legendary push-off against Utah Jazz's Byron Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.
It's clear Utah fans are still feeling some bitterness over that championship win, and with everyone hunting for free service these days, it was the perfect opportunity to poke fun at their maiden hockey visitors.
The excitement was palpable Utah ready to shine. It was a party all day as they played their inaugural game as a franchise, with the NHL welcoming the newest addition to the hockey community.
The main event carried the night where the boys celebrated a monumental moment by starting early and finishing strong in a 5-2 win.
After owner Ryan Smith pulled off an impressive deal with former Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Morello and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, the response was incredible.
The fans were on their feet, and the building was packed despite containing several seats with obstructed views.
From the get-go, the boys never looked back. Dylan Guenther made headlines by scoring the very first goal in franchise history.
Captain Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, and Lawson Crouse also joined in on the fun, each finding the back of the net, while Connor Ingram made 25 saves between the pipes.
The Blackhawks pulled from 0-3 to 2-3 in the third period, as reigning Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard recorded two assists.
Utah struggled in the defensive zone throughout the third period, and that'll need to get cleaned up. But fate was on the hosts side as Chicago rang a few posts and Guenther iced things with an empty net goal before newly minted associate captain Lawson Crouse put the icing on the cake, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
This franchise emerged from the ashes of the Coyotes, bringing along players, coaches, and draft picks without the hassle of an expansion draft. Ironically, they also won their final game in Arizona, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-2. Before moving to the states in 1996, they were the original Winnipeg Jets in 1972.
While Yotes' history remains in the dessert , Utah is ready excited to carve out their own legacy. Here's to a bright future for the Utah Hockey Club and all the thrilling moments yet to come!
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