Instant Takeaways From Utah Hockey Club’s Training Camp: Day One

Sep 19, 2024, 1:57 PM

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural training camp is now officially underway, providing a first look at the team as they make their final preparations for the 2024-25 season.

Here are the instant takeaways from day one of camp.

Young Players Josh Doan and Cole Beaudoin Getting After It

With one of the deepest prospect pools in the entire league, several of Utah’s most talented young players were full participants with the NHL skaters. Looking to make his first opening day roster, Josh Doan joined recent 2024 First round draft selection Cole Beaudoin on the ice and the two made a strong first impression.

During several drills, Doan was getting after it offensively as he not fought hard in the corners against the likes of Logan Cooley, but he also had some nice shots, including a quick snipe over the shoulder on Connor Ingram. He also won a collection of faceoffs against Cooley during a specific drill.

Shooting drill and Doan absolutely ripped one over Ingram’s right shoulder.

Doan is pushing to make his first opening day roster.#UtahHockeyClub #NHL

— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 19, 2024

As for Beaudoin, the young draft pick was fearless throughout practice, attacking the net hard, parking on the doorstep and was even battling with Liam O’Brien repeatedly during a short-ice three-on-three drill. However, Beaudoin received no warm welcomes as teammate Dylan Guenther put him down on the ice when the two were fighting for positioning in front of the net.

Overall, a strong showing for some of the club’s premier young talent.

Mikhail Sergachev is as Advertised, Kailer Yamamoto Impresses After Day One

The Utah Hockey Club added a strong collection of new faces this past offseason as they attempt to strengthen their blue line unit. The biggest name they brought in was two-time Stanley Cup Champion and former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Sup, Sergy 👋😊#UtahHockeyClub pic.twitter.com/S0TvgSLLtd

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 19, 2024

In day one, Sergachev demonstrated just about every reason the club went after him this summer.

Sergachev ➡️ Keller ➡️Schmaltz ➡️ Keller ➡️ Guenther ➡️ 🥅#UtahHockeyClub pic.twitter.com/NZEbL2qRuF

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 19, 2024

After testing out his legs for a few minutes to begin, Sergachev got right after it as he was paired with Juuso Valimaki for most of the day. Together, the pair played incredibly fast, physical and Sergachev’s offensive talent was on full display.

Whether it was slapshots, snapshots, or wristers, Sergachev let the puck fly throughout training and even lit the lamp a few times. In addition to his defense, Sergachev’s skillset is going to raise the ceiling for this team and what they can accomplish.

As for Kailer Yamamoto, he too was impressive and has every reason to compete hard as he is currently on a PTO contract. During training, Yamamoto was scrappy, physical, fast and scored on multiple occasions. If he can continue to bring that same level of energy and production, he has a great chance of making Utah’s roster.

Utah Hockey Club’s Offensive and Defensive Lines

While the lines from the first day are certainly subject to change, day one of training camp provided a first look at how the opening day lines may look for the Utah Hockey Club.

Unsurprisingly, Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton ran the first line and they were productive as usual. However, several of the other lines looked a bit different than what has been projected.

On the second line, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther were joined by Jack McBain while Lawson Crouse moved to the third with Matias Maccelli and Alexander Kerfoot. The final two lines were Liam O’Brien, Kevin Stenlund and Kailer Yamamoto while Josh Doan, Michael Carcone, Andrew Agozzino and Cole Beaudoin took reps on the final line.

Again, these lines might change but for now that’s how the forwards are shaping up. Notably the second line update with McBain provides a big body who can create space for Cooley and Guenther to score. As for the third line, pairing Maccelli and Crouse might make it a bit more productive as Maccelli is simply a maestro with the puck.

Maccelli is so good on the puck and such a playmaker. The way he sees the game and spacing is better than most. He finds the most ridiculous passing lanes.

One of the best kept secrets in the league. Wouldn’t be shocked if he goes for 50+ assists.

— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 19, 2024

Defensively, Sergachev joined Valimaki while Sean Durzi was with Ian Cole and Robert Bortuzzo was paired with Patrik Coch. However, the lines changed quite a bit and likely will continue to do so throughout camp.