SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Hockey Club made a statement in their home arena on Saturday, March 22, 2025, triumphing over the Tampa Bay Lightning with a thrilling score of 6-4. The match, which marked Utah HC’s ‘Next Gen Game’, turned out to be full of excitement, showcasing young fans engaged in various game-day roles, from in-game entertainment to pre-game ceremonies.
As the scoreboard reflected six goals for Utah, it became evident that the young bloods on the team were determined to leave a mark. Among them, Logan Cooley emerged as a critical player once again, netting two goals and contributing an assist to secure the victory. His performance further solidified his place as one of the standout talents in the league, achieving a milestone of recording multiple 20-goal seasons at just 20 years old.
“Kids like goals,” remarked Alexander Kerfoot, who also scored two goals for Utah. Indeed, the electrifying atmosphere charged the arena as young fans cheered, building a connection with the players that is vital for fostering hockey interest in Utah.
Cooley's first goal, which put Utah ahead 2-0 late in the first period, came from a smart rebound play during a fast break initiated by teammate Michael Kesselring. However, the Lightning, known for their resilience, found a way back into the game with a power-play goal from Brayden Point shortly thereafter.
The end of the first period saw Utah leading 2-1, a score that set the stage for a nail-biting second period filled with swift changes in momentum. Utah quickly responded to the equalizing efforts from Tampa Bay, showcasing their tenacity to bounce back. After Anthony Cirelli tied the game 2-2, Kerfoot reclaimed the lead with a quick tip-in only 36 seconds later, causing the crowd to erupt.
Not to be outdone, Cooley found the back of the net again — a crafty deflection from a shot by Nick Schmaltz, pushing Utah further into the lead once more at 4-3 after Jake Guentzel had leveled the score again. The back-and-forth scoring was a hallmark of the game, demonstrating the teams’ competitive spirit.
“It wasn’t easy when the building’s packed and we weren’t winning in front of our fans. But credit to them. They’ve stuck with us when things weren’t going our way, and now when we win in front of them, it’s such an amazing feeling,” Cooley stated in appreciation of the fans’ support.
As the third period unfolded, Nick Schmaltz added another goal for Utah, extending the lead to 5-3, yet Tampa Bay again fought back, with Point scoring his second of the night to narrow it to 5-4. The stakes were high as UHC faced the pressure of maintaining their lead.
Amidst foul trouble, Utah was committed to staying disciplined, and Karel Vejmelka provided essential saves throughout the game, solidifying his position with a remarkable 22 saves. In a moment of levity near the end, Kerfoot netted an empty-net goal sealing the victory at 6-4 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“It’s a huge character win. I think everybody was engaged, everybody was connected,” Coach André Tourigny expressed post-game, highlighting the team’s capability to overcome setbacks during key moments.
The outcome not only capped off a notable evening filled with community engagement but also pushed Utah closer to playoff contention. Despite two of Utah’s goals being overturned due to coach’s challenges, the team’s resolve remained evident; they maintained an impressive record of 8-1-2 in games with overturned calls this season.
As UHC prepares for their next matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night, analysts watch closely. If they continue their upward trajectory, the playoffs are within reach as they sit only four points behind the final wild card spot in the NHL Western Conference.
With the combination of rising stars like Cooley leading the charge and a dedicated fan base rallying behind them, the Utah Hockey Club is making waves in its inaugural season, aiming to solidify its place in the NHL landscape.
