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.
POCATELLO — After a search for a missing Utah girl resulted in the arrest of a Wyoming man last November, a motion was accepted to dismiss the man’s case.
Anthony Holm of Star Valley, Wyoming, was originally charged on Nov. 17 with one felony count of second-degree kidnapping, but these charges were dismissed on March 17 during his preliminary hearing.
According to court documents, Bannock County Prosecutor Alan Boehme filed a motion to dismiss the case against Holm, as Utah will bring charges against him.
The motion was granted by Magistrate Judge Carol Tippi Jarman.
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EastIdahoNews.com checked Utah court records, and no charges have been filed at the time of publication.
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The original incident occurred on Nov. 14, when Bannock County Sheriff’s deputies were contacted by the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office in Utah, which requested assistance in locating a missing juvenile.
The juvenile was believed to be with Holm, who was driving a 2024 Ford Bronco, and was suspected to be in the Lava Hot Springs area.
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Court documents state that the vehicle was spotted at a hotel in Lava Hot Springs; however, the license plate did not match the reported one. Bannock County Dispatch reported that the vehicle belonged to Holm, and later confirmed that he was staying at the hotel.
Deputies spoke with Holm and the 16-year-old girl outside of a hotel room.
When asked by deputies how he knew the girl, he said they met on the app Ashley Madison the day before, and that the girl told him she was 18.
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Deputies spoke with the 16-year-old, who confirmed that she had told Holm she was 18, but did not want the man to go to jail. She later told deputies the plan was for them to stay in Lava Hot Springs to swim and spend the night there.
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Documents state that in Willard, Utah, Holm had picked up the juvenile and traveled to Salt Lake City, where the two stayed at a hotel, before traveling to Idaho.
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Utah’s power play went 2-for-4, and it was the first time the Mammoth have scored two power play goals in a game since the last time they played the Capitals (Mar. 3, at Washington). Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley each capitalized on the man-advantage in the first period. Cooley was added to the top unit with Barrett Hayton out of the lineup (week-to-week, upper-body injury), and he shared what was working for the top unit.
“Just trying to establish a shot,” Cooley explained. “Trying to build off that and then things start to open up. We have a lot of great players on that unit that can make a lot of plays, and I think when we establish a shot first (mentality) that’s when we’re going to get our opportunities, and find seams and different rebounds like that.”
“They were rolling,” Tourigny said of the power play. “The way they were attacking, the way they were direct, they were really aggressive. They were intentional, their aggressiveness, that paid off.”
In addition to his power play goal, Guenther also scored three minutes and 55 seconds later. The forward has six multi-goal efforts this season and he set a new career-high in points (61). This is his second consecutive season with 60 or more points. Guenther has been a consistent scorer for the Mammoth as he has nine goals in the month of March and has scored eight of those in the last 11 games. He trails on Boston’s Pavel Zacha (9) for the league lead in that span.
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MacKenzie Weegar scored his first goal as a member of the Mammoth in the third period. He’s contributed a point in two-straight games and has grown his role with Utah. In addition to playing alongside alternate captain Mikhail Sergachev on the top d-pairing, Weegar contributes to both sides of special teams.
It’s a close playoff race in the Western Conference and Utah is still in the first wildcard spot. However, the Mammoth will need to raise their game, keep a high level of intensity, and manage their emotions in the final nine games of the regular season. Utah’s next game is a tough test against the Los Angeles Kings on the road.
“Everyone’s gotta look in the mirror, we all got better and we all know that,” Keller said. “Still super confident with our group. This is the most exciting part of the year and the most exciting hockey. We’re all positive, and we’ll learn from it and go to L.A..”
“Yeah, I think we started out good,” Cooley reflected. “Special teams were good. I thought the first period, we were moving it well. I think we kind of just started to let it slip, give up some odd-man rushes, and they capitalized. Every game is so important right now, and it stings. It’s two points that we probably should have had, especially early on with the way we were playing. We got to make sure that we are ready for a heck of a battle with L.A.”
Additional Notes from Tonight (per Mammoth PR)
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Sergachev registered three assists in the first period marking the first three-assist frame of his NHL career. This also marked his second career three-point period, both of which have come against Washington, as well as his fourth three-point game this season.
Alexander Kerfoot posted an assist on Weegar’s third-period goal, marking his 300th career NHL point. He is the 16th player from his draft class to reach that milestone. He joins Sergachev as the second skater to accomplish the feat with Utah.
Keller posted three primary assists tonight for his eighth three-point game, third three-assist game, 23rd multi-point game, and 13th multi-assist game in 2025-26, all of which are team highs. The Captain has seven points over his last six games (3G, 4A).
Utah’s captain has tallied at least 70 points for the fourth consecutive season and he became the 12th NHL player to accomplish this feat over that stretch. According to NHL PR, Keller is the fifth player in NHL history to eclipse the 70-point mark in each of a franchise’s first two seasons.
