Franchise Cornerstone scores the Utah Hockey Club’s first goal

The Utah Hockey Club has officially kicked off its inaugural season, and a future cornerstone of the franchise fittingly picked up the team’s first-ever goal. Forward Dylan Guenther just signed an eight-year contract with Utah, and he became the latest trivial answer for the first goal in franchise history.

Early in the opening frame against the Chicago Blackhawks, Guenther ripped a one-time shot from above the faceoff circles, but it found its way into the net. The sold-out Delta Center erupted with cheers as the playoff-like atmosphere was created.

Assisted by defender Michael Kesselring and Logan Cooley, it was those two who got the game going.

Cooley received a breakout pass from behind his own net and started the transition to the attack. Cooley handed the puck off Kesselring, who carried the puck into the Blackhawks zone before quickly dropping a pass to Guenther.

He didn’t look quite ready, but Guenther got enough of a shot to beat Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek. It was Utah’s second shot on goal of the game and the perfect way to start the season.

Not only does Utah have high expectations for their team, but Guenther has also received some praise since signing an eight-year deal worth $7,142,875 per year. Utah captain Clayton Keller said Guenther has the skills to score 50 goals in one season.

An early goal not only put Utah ahead, but added another level to the lively Delta Center crowd.

After years of futility as the Arizona Coyotes, the Utah Hockey Club is looking forward to stability and hopefully great success.

Captain Keller followed up Guenther’s count with his own to give Utah a 2-0 lead before the Blackhawks could even get a second shot.

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