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.
Oklahoma State Cowboys (14-6, 2-5 Big 12) at Utah Utes (9-11, 1-6 Big 12)
Salt Lake City; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Utah takes on Oklahoma State after Keanu Dawes scored 23 points in Utah’s 91-78 loss to the BYU Cougars.
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The Utes are 8-3 on their home court. Utah is 2-5 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Cowboys have gone 2-5 against Big 12 opponents. Oklahoma State scores 86.2 points and has outscored opponents by 5.8 points per game.
Utah makes 46.6% of its shots from the field this season, which is 2.5 percentage points higher than Oklahoma State has allowed to its opponents (44.1%). Oklahoma State averages 86.2 points per game, 4.7 more than the 81.5 Utah allows.
The Utes and Cowboys face off Saturday for the first time in conference play this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Terrence Brown is scoring 22.2 points per game with 2.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Utes. Don McHenry is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.
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Kanye Clary is averaging 9.6 points and 4.9 assists for the Cowboys. Anthony Roy is averaging 18.3 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Utes: 2-8, averaging 78.7 points, 28.5 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 5.7 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 84.3 points per game.
Cowboys: 5-5, averaging 82.5 points, 32.1 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 8.3 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 83.5 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
PROVO, Utah (KUTV) — Superintendents for the three new Utah County school districts have officially been selected by their respective school boards.
Dr. Joel Perkins was sworn in as the superintendent for Aspen Peaks School District, Dr. Vicki Carter was named the superintendent for the Lake Mountain School District, and Dr. Joseph N. Jensen was selected as the superintendent for Timpanogos School District.
The three school districts will officially begin operating in July 2027 after voters approved breaking the existing school district – The Alpine School District – into three new ones in 2024.
The Aspen Peaks School District will oversee schools in Lehi, American Fork, Highland, Cedar Hills and Alpine. Lake Mountain covers schools in Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Cedar Valley, Cedar Fort and Fairfield. The Timpanogos School District will be made up of schools in Lindon, Pleasant Grove, Orem and Vineyard.
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MORE | Alpine School District
Eye On Education (Graphic: KUTV)
Dr. Perkins, who serves as the current associate superintendent in the Alpine School District, will continue to serve in his role until June 30 of this year. Aspen Peaks officials said Perkins will then work with the school board to hire staff, determine funding, and consider school boundaries.
“This is my community. I have lived here and worked here for the last 27 years. My family and I have invested our hearts and souls into the schools in this area,” said Perkins. “I love the students, families, and employees here. It is the honor of a lifetime to partner with this community to build the new Aspen Peaks School District.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Vicki Carter was named as the inaugural superintendent for Lake Mountain after an “exhaustive search” with over 20 applicants. The Lake Mountain school board described Dr. Carter as a veteran educator with 35 years of experience who is dedicated to building trust, respect and academic excellence.
The Lake Mountain School Board also named Dr. Amanda Bollinger, who has 25 years in Utah education, as deputy superintendent.
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“We are proud to launch our district with such a distinguished team,” said Lake Mountain Board President Julie King. “They are seamlessly aligned with our vision for innovation and student success.”
In the Timpanogos School District, the school board said Dr. Joseph Jensen brings decades of educational leadership experience that was “deeply rooted” in the school district’s communities. His career has seen him serving students and families in Oak Canyon, Orem High, Orem Junior High and Timpanogos High, most recently as the Alpine School District’s Director of Administrative Development.
“I love the people in these communities. I lived in Pleasant Grove for ten years and spent my entire administrative career serving students, teachers, and families in Orem, Vineyard and Lindon,” said Dr. Jensen. “I have countless memories of exceptional teachers, coaches, and support staff who work tirelessly to develop young people – in classrooms, extracurricular activities, and programs.”
The Timpanogos School District said Jensen intends to visit all 29 schools in the district to “listen, learn, and connect with staff, parents and administrators.”
The three school districts now move on to the next step ahead of their 2027 launch, including filling additional roles such as business administrators.
SALT LAKE CITY — Stephen Curry scored 27 points, Moses Moody had 26 and the Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz 140-124 on Wednesday night.
Gui Santos had 16 points off the bench for the Warriors. Golden State made 23 3-pointers and never trailed over the final three quarters. Moody led the way with five 3s.
The 140 points scored by the Warriors was their season high.
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Brice Sensabaugh scored 22 points off the bench for Utah. Keyonte George had 19 points and seven assists. Ace Bailey also scored 19 points for the Jazz and Lauri Markkanen had 18.
Utah trimmed a 22-point deficit to single digits entering the fourth quarter. The Jazz drew to 108-100 on a pair of free throws from Isaiah Collier with 9:52 left. Curry made back-to-back baskets to restore a double-digit lead.
Golden State used a 20-2 run to go up 136-109 with 3:29 left.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, has the ball knocked away by Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski, right, as he was driving to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Golden State made it rain from the perimeter early, going 15 of 31 from long distance before halftime. Eight different players made an outside basket for the Warriors in the first half. Buddy Hield and Moody accounted for three apiece before halftime.
Hield buried back-to-back 3s a minute into the second quarter to cap a 19-8 run that gave Golden State a 40-24 lead. The Warriors built a 16-point lead three other times in the second quarter — the final time when Quinten Post made a 3-pointer to make it 64-48.
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Golden State expanded its lead to 22 points in the third quarter, going up 91-69 on a pair of free throws from Curry.
