In a stunning display of commitment and creativity, the newest NHL franchise, the Utah Hockey Club, has showcased their dedication to the sport at the speed skating oval in Kearns, Utah. The team, set to play their first regular-season game on Oct. 8 against the Chicago Blackhawks, has already made waves with their innovative practice facility at the Utah Olympic Oval.
Utah’s rapid progress in constructing a state-of-the-art practice facility in just 3-1/2 months is a testament to their fervor for the game since joining the NHL on April 18. The two-story, 17,400-square-foot structure, built at a cost of several million dollars, serves as a temporary home for the team as they await the completion of their permanent practice facility.
Located inside the iconic Utah Olympic Oval, known for its role in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics and as the training site for US Speedskating, the Utah Hockey Club’s locker room is just a small part of the grand spectacle. As players leave the locker room, they tread on a carpet laid over a running track before hitting the ice on the 400-meter speed skating oval, dubbed the “Fastest Ice on Earth.”
Transformed from Olympic size to NHL size, the practice rink on the oval’s island provides a unique training experience for the players. Surrounded by figure skaters and short-track speed skaters, the team practices under the watchful gaze of Utah Hockey Club banners and Olympic flags from nations across the globe.
In the words of team captain, Sarah Jones, “The environment here is truly special. We are privileged to train at such a historic venue. It really sets us apart as a franchise.”
The Utah Hockey Club’s practice facility serves as a symbol of their ambition and drive to succeed in the NHL. With a blend of history, athleticism, and innovation, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the league as they embark on their inaugural season.
