The new Utah Hockey Club has the potential to build an impressive legacy, one surrounded by winning and maintaining a loyal fan base.
It’s easier said than done, but Utah can look to the Colorado Avalanche as an example for success in the NHL.
The Quebec Nordiques had an impressive following and a rich history. However, they didn’t win the Cup, something the Colorado Avalanche did their first year after relocating from Quebec to Denver in the 1995-96 season.
Adding insult to injury for Quebec fans, Colorado won the Cup in their first year in Denver.
Advertisement
Utah has the opportunity to achieve similar success. After only making one divisional championship appearance in their entire time in Arizona, Utah’s new hockey team has consistently struggled and almost embodied a losing team with a struggling fanbase.
Losing certainly doesn’t fill arenas, and once losing becomes the expected form of play, fanbases rapidly depart any interest in such a team.
Utah is a fresh start centered on a community that has proven itself to root for professional sports. Utah Jazz fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated in the league. This remains the case even though they have yet to win their prized first championship, losing back-to-back appearances against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
The Avalanche created a fan base based on star players (Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy) and, most importantly, an expectation centered on winning.
Like the fairly new Vegas Golden Knights, the Avalanche took the league by storm, putting a competitive roster on the ice and setting a new standard.
Advertisement
Today, both the Avalanche and Golden Knights continue to be examples of how to build NHL rosters around the league.
New ownership, a new fanbase, and a new home will assist Utah in forming a different legacy. While Utah may not experience the same quick success as Colorado, it has the potential to change its franchise narrative and improve its play.
Winning solves everything. With new draft picks and a change of scenery, the existing roster finally gets a fresh start, long overdue.
The Salt Lake City area has all the elements to provide for an excellent show; from the mountains, snow, and proven NBA fanbase, it’s up to the hockey team to start and create their legacy.
The Central Division is both talent-filled and competitive, making it a prime example with some of the league’s most talented teams.
Advertisement
Utah can be one of the best stories in NHL history, they just need to win.
Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News since 2023.
NEW: Try Article Audio
Advertisement
1.0x
00:00/00:00
–
Advertisement
+
No. 9 BYU (14-1, 2-0) vs. Utah (8-7, 0-2)
Tip: Saturday, 8 p.m. MST
Venue: Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City
TV: ESPN
Streaming: espn.com/live
BYU radio broadcast: 102.7 FM/1160 AM/Sirius XM 143
Utah radio broadcast: 92.1 FM/700 AM
Series: Utahleads, 79-72 since 1949 (most recent meeting: 2025)
The trends
For BYU: 14-1 on the season, No. 10 in KenPom, averaging 88.2 points scored and 66.7 points allowed per game
For Utah: 8-7 on the season, No. 131 in KenPom, averaging 80.3 points scored and 80.1 points allowed per game
Players to watch
For BYU: Forward AJ Dybantsa, guard Richie Saunders, guard Robert Wright III
For Utah: Guard Terrance Brown, guard Don McHenry, forward Keanu Dawes
Utah forward Keanu Dawes (8) dunks the ball during a game against the Arizona Wildcats held at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
SOUTH OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — There is a heavy police presence in the area of Harrison Blvd in South Ogden. ABC4 is working to learn more.
While police have not confirmed any information, ABC4 has acquired footage from a bystander that shows law enforcement detaining one individual. The individual can be seen handcuffed and without a shirt.
Courtesy: David Blanton
Several residents have also reported seeing over a dozen police vehicles heading to the area and reported hearing gunshots on social media.
Courtesy: Kade Garner // KTVX
Advertisement
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including Davis County SWAT, Weber County Sheriff’s Department, and Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. Officers from Riverton Police Department, Roy Police Department, Clinton Police Department, and Layton police Department all responded to the scene.
Law enforcement also used several drones and several armored vehicles responded to the scene. Additionally, it appears at least one person was transported from the scene by ambulance
Courtesy: Randy Ferrin
At this time, law enforcement has not confirmed any details regarding this incident. However, they appeared to have cleared from the scene.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available.
SALT LAKE CITY — Those using a new national park pass who want to enjoy Utah’s “Mighty Five” better do so with President Donald Trump’s face perfectly intact, or you might pay a literal price.
The new annual park passes, which debuted on Jan. 1, feature Trump’s image alongside that of George Washington. At the same time as the release, the Department of the Interior reportedly updated its rules to ensure Trump’s face remains free and clear.
According to the Washington Post, the updated “Void if Altered” policy prohibits anyone from defacing the pass or covering up any images or information on the cards. Visitors found by rangers to have altered a pass by any means will be ordered to return it to its original condition or possibly be charged a regular entrance fee.
SFGate reported the policy originally prohibited any alteration of the signature portion of the pass, with the updated policy including the front of the card, with a warning that “writing on it or adding stickers or other coverings” is no longer allowed.
Advertisement
Anti-DEI mandates at national parks include Zion gift shop:
‘History deserves honesty,’ anti-DEI mandates at national parks include Zion gift shop
Many believe the updated policy is in direct response to the large pushback over the inclusion of Trump, leaving people to share creative ways to hide the president’s image from passes, including stickers and sleeves.
Advertisement
Along with the suggestions on how to hide Trump’s image, a nonprofit environmental group has filed a lawsuit claiming its design did not comply with legislation that requires public participation in the selection.
