Utah Hockey Club head coach André Tourigny seemed to be holding back tears after his team’s 5-4 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.
Utah HC is on a four-game losing streak and has lost six of its last seven games. They still only have one regulation victory, which came in the season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“It just sucks,” said Utah HC forward Matias Maccelli after the game. “It’s frustrating.”
Most of the frustration came in the last four and a half minutes of the third period, during which time the Sharks scored three goals to claw back from a 4-1 deficit. If the players feel frustrated, they should put themselves in the shoes of us beat writers who had to scrap our entire stories. Just kidding.
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How this works
This is a three-part article geared toward three different audiences.
First, we’ll have “Utah hockey for dummies” for all you new hockey fans. Welcome, by the way — we’re glad you’ve taken an interest in the greatest sport in the world.
Next, we’ll have a section titled “Utah hockey for casual fans,” aimed at those who have a basic understanding of the sport.
Finally, we’ll have “Utah hockey for nerds.” That will be for those of you who, like me, think about nothing but hockey all day, every day.
Feedback is welcome, so let me know what you think in the comments of this article or the comments section on “X.”
Utah Hockey for dummies
Originally, I had planned to write about how the vibes were finally high in the Delta Center again. Now, they’re at an all-time low.
The Sharks hadn’t won a game yet this season, and no team wants to be the one to break another team’s losing streak. But no matter who you lose to, it stings a little extra to blow such a big lead.
“That can’t happen,” Maccelli said.
On the other hand, the vibes were at a season high for the Sharks, who, after the game, were blasting music from two of the greatest artists of my generation: Eminem and Crazy Frog.
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It was the Sharks’ first win of the season and, more importantly, it was Ryan Warsofsky’s first win as an NHL head coach.
Utah Hockey for casual fans
During losing streaks, the leadership group is responsible for two things: getting things back on track and facing the media. They have yet to do either the last two games.
After Monday’s loss, Maccelli was the only player made available to the media. After Saturday’s loss, it was Nick Bjugstad. Fans have short memories and need to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sending a 24-year-old who speaks English as a second language doesn’t do that.
Utah Hockey Club center Kevin Stenlund (82) and Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram (39) fall backwards and San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) skates in as San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund’s puck makes a goal during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) scores in overtime as Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram (39) misses the block, ending the NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) gets the puck past San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) to score Utah’s second goal of the NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) scores in overtime as Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram (39) misses the block, ending the NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin (11) and Utah Hockey Club center Barrett Hayton (27) fight for the puck during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club right wing Dylan Guenther (11) passes the puck during an NHL game against the San Jose Sharks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram (39) blocks a shot on goal as San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) rushes in during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz (8) passes the puck during an NHL game against the San Jose Sharks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram (39) blocks a shot on goal as San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin (11) chases it during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club center Barrett Hayton (27), San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) and Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) fight for the puck as San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) guards the goal during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz (8) tries to keep the puck away from San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund (20) during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Referee Kyle Flemington gets smashed into the wall as San Jose Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun (3), San Jose Sharks center Nico Sturm (7) and Utah Hockey Club right wing Dylan Guenther (11) fight for the puck during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) shoots and scores as San Jose Sharks center Mikael Granlund (64) and San Jose Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun (3) trail him during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
San Jose Sharks right wing Givani Smith (54) and Utah Hockey Club center Liam O’Brien (38) fight during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) stickhandles the puck during an NHL game against the San Jose Sharks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Utah Hockey Club center Kevin Stenlund (82) and Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram (39) fall backwards and San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) skates in as San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund’s puck makes a goal during an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) watches as Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) scores a goal in an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. It was Maccelli’s second goal of the game. Utah lost in overtime 5-4. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
The Utah Hockey Club and fans celebrate a goal against the San Jose Sharks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
“I think we need to lean on those guys,” Tourigny said of his leadership group after the game. “I think those guys have to own it. … What happened there, it’s unacceptable. It’s embarrassing.”
Team captain Clayton Keller last spoke after the loss to the Ottawa Senators and associate captain Lawson Crouse did it after losing to the Colorado Avalanche, but those were both before the losing streak got bad.
They’re probably saying a lot more than that in the locker room, but it’s essential that the fans hear similar messages.
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Utah Hockey for nerds
Utah HC social media has more than a few posts calling for Tourigny’s job. I’ve been emphatic that it’s too early for that, but I also realize that a team can quickly drop in the standings and coaching changes usually come with big momentum swings.
The team initially brought Tourigny in because of his track record with young players. He had spent most of his time between the OHL and the QMJHL — two junior leagues. He had also been chosen as a bench boss for Canada’s World Junior Championship teams on several occasions. But now that the kids are turning into full-fledged NHL players, Tourigny’s expertise might be less useful.
There aren’t a lot of coaches that make it to the end of a rebuild. This is his fourth season behind the bench for the Arizona Coyotes/Utah HC team, and he has done everything that has been asked of him. If his end comes soon, it should not be seen as a failure.
The team’s goal this season is to be good. They want to make the playoffs. They want to show the people of Utah how exciting the game of hockey is. They want a crowd that’s excited to watch them play every night. A losing streak makes that a lot harder.
What’s next?
Utah HC has a day to rest before hosting the Calgary Flames at the Delta Center on Wednesday.
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The Flames have surprised a lot of people this season, as they were expected by most to be among the bottom few teams in the league. A hot start has landed them in third place in the Pacific Division at this point — though that could very well change by the time anyone sees this article, as five Pacific Division teams play on Monday.
Jonathan Huberdeau, whom the Flames acquired in 2022 as a solution the departures of several of their stars, has finally started to have sustained success in a Flames jersey. He struggled his first few seasons in Calgary, but he now has seven points in eight games to start the season.
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson leads the team in both goals and points. Andersson has been the subject of many Utah HC trade rumors in recent weeks as Utah HC could use another top-four defenseman and the Flames will take as many picks and prospects as they can get.
At the conclusion of that game, Utah HC will prepare for their trip to Nevada, where the Vegas Golden Knights will await them on Saturday.
The Golden Knights currently sit atop the Pacific Division standings with 13 points to their name. They’re second in the NHL in goals scored this season, which naturally means their top players have a lot of points. Mark Stone leads the league with 17 points, while Jack Eichel is tied for third in the league with 15 points.
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Wednesday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m. MDT and Saturday’s game is at 8. Both games will be available on Utah HC+ and Utah16.
Florida State came up short in its pursuit of a top running back transfer.
On Tuesday, Utah State running back transfer Rahsul Faison announced he was committing to South Carolina. Faison chose the Gamecocks over FSU, Alabama, North Carolina, UCLA, and UCF.
The Seminoles hosted Faison for a visit last weekend but he continued to take trips elsewhere. Florida State could very well kick the tires on another transfer during the spring window.
Faison spent two seasons with the Aggies and had a career year in 2024 where he rushed 198 times for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 22 passes for 99 yards. He had five games of 100+ rushing yards, including a season-high 20 carries for 191 yards and a touchdown in a 55-10 victory against Hawaii on November 16. He was named second-team All-Mountain West for his performance last fall.
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During his first season at Utah State, Faison rushed 118 times for 736 yards and five touchdowns. In total, he appeared in 25 games, making 13 starts, and totaled 316 carries for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Faison also caught 33 passes for 151 yards.
The Pennsylvania native signed with Marshall as a two-star prospect in 2019. He ultimately spent that season at the junior college level at Lackawanna College and was with the Thundering Herd in 2020. Faison didn’t appear in a game with either program and elected to go back to the JUCO level with Snow College. He rushed 88 times for 355 yards and six touchdowns prior to transferring to Utah State.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back has at least one season of eligibility remaining due to the new junior college ruling.
READ MORE: Elite FSU Quarterback Commitment Gets First Chance To Meet New OC Gus Malzahn
Florida State has six scholarship running backs eligible to return in 2025; redshirt senior Roydell Williams, redshirt senior Caziah Holmes, redshirt junior Jaylin Lucas, redshirt sophomore Samuel Singleton Jr., sophomore Kam Davis, and redshirt freshman Micahi Danzy.
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The Seminoles signed four-star Ousmane Kromah during the Early Signing Period.
READ MORE: Standout Utah State Running Back Transfer Lists Florida State In Top-Six
Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the offseason
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• Florida State Adds FCS Quarterbacks Coach To Off-Field Staff
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• Florida State Lands Explosive Tennessee Wide Receiver Transfer Squirrel White
•Florida State Secures Veteran Memphis Linebacker Transfer Elijah Herring
•Former FSU Defensive End, Seminole Legacy Transferring To Third School In Three Years
PROVO, Utah — A teacher within the Alpine School District is facing charges of sexual exploitation of a minor after allegedly uploading child porn to the internet. Travis Adamson, 49, is currently being held without bail.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 13 News, investigators were first notified of the potential crime at the end of April 2023. Adobe Inc. reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via CyberTip that a user had uploaded files containing depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on their account.
The CyberTip also included account information regarding the suspect user, including an IP address and email address that belonged to a teacher within the Alpine School District. Detectives used geo-location to trace the suspect’s IP address and found it was located within or near the city limits of Provo.
The school district confirmed to investigators that Adamson was still an employee within the district.
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On Monday, detectives interviewed Adamson at the school where he confirmed that he was the sole user of the Adobe account and admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material.
Adamson also told detectives that he had downloaded several thousand images and videos onto his hard drive which is located at his home. He denied ever photographing or doing anything sexual or inappropriate with his students or other kids.
Detectives are now working to get access to Adamson’s hard drive and more charges could be coming.
The Utah Utes have made headlines by cracking the AP Top 25 at No. 22 for the first time this season, following a hard-fought 75-67 win over Iowa State. This marks Utah’s third consecutive season being ranked, despite an unexpected coaching change early in the season. Head coach Lynne Roberts departed for the WNBA, leaving longtime assistant Gavin Petersen to step in. Under Petersen’s leadership, Utah has thrived, demonstrating resilience and cohesion.
Petersen credited the team’s ability to stay focused and overcome adversity. “Our resilient crew has stepped up and faced the adversity that’s in front of them,” Petersen said. Utah’s win over Notre Dame during a Thanksgiving tournament was a pivotal moment that signaled their strength and potential.
Utah has ‘big money’ problem with a billionaire calling NIL shots for rival
The competition for dominance in women’s college basketball continues to intensify as the Big Ten and SEC assert themselves as the sport’s premier leagues. This week’s Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll highlights the strength of both conferences, with each boasting seven ranked teams, including four in the top 10.
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The Big Ten’s recent expansion with the addition of No. 1 UCLA and No. 4 USC has bolstered its claim as the top league. UCLA’s consistent performances, including a victory over South Carolina, solidify their place at the top of the rankings, earning 30 of 32 first-place votes. Meanwhile, the SEC has also grown stronger with No. 5 Texas and No. 10 Oklahoma joining the conference. South Carolina, a perennial powerhouse, remains No. 2 and will face Texas in a highly anticipated showdown.
This week, the Utes prepare for a marquee matchup, hosting No. 12 Kansas State at the Huntsman Center. This game not only pits two top-25 teams against each other but also serves as a litmus test for Utah’s aspirations in the Big 12.
As Utah continues its unbeaten run in conference play, upcoming matchups against No. 11 TCU and No. 17 West Virginia will provide further opportunities to climb the rankings and solidify their standing among the nation’s elite.
