Michael Kesselring Posts First Gordie Howe Hat Trick In Franchise History

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The first Gordie Howe hat trick in Utah Hockey Club history came against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday courtesy of Michael Kesselring.

Maybe even more impressively, he checked all three of the boxes in the second period.

GORDIE HOWE HAT TRICK FOR KESSELKING 👑

— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 7, 2024

For those who don’t know, Howe is one of the most prominent figures in hockey history. He was once the all-time leading goal scorer until Wayne Gretzky topped his mark of 801.

To this day, his record of 26 total seasons played in the NHL still stands. Howe ended his career with nearly 2000 points as he added over 1000 assists to his 800 goals.

For Howe, accumulating points and being physical went hand in hand. Because of this, an unofficial achievement in a hockey game where a player recorded a goal, an assist, and got in a fight was coined the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick.”

Kesselring keeping it 💯 with the first Gordie Howe hat trick in #UtahHC history! https://t.co/tOu11ZmJSC

— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 7, 2024

Kesselring opened the second period with an equalizing goal, dropped the gloves with Beck Malenstyn halfway through the period, and assisted on Jack McBain’s goal in the final minute.

Maybe the first goal and first fight in Utah HC will be remembered for longer, but this achievement is a more fun one that hockey fans can appreciate.

Three Highs, Three Lows For Utah Hockey Club After 25 Games

More than a quarter of the way through the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, it’s been a year of significant highs and lows for the NHL’s newest franchise.

Currently sitting in sixth place in the Central Division, Utah has 24 points with a 10-11-4 record as they’ve struggled to piece together consecutive wins despite a lot of impressive results.

As Utah hovers near .500, let’s look at three highs and three lows for the Club after the second month of the season.

Three Lows For Utah Hockey Club

• Second periods have been a huge problem lately

• Several players are struggling to produce for Utah

• Lack of consistency is plaguing the Utah Hockey Club

Three Highs for Utah Hockey Club

• Based on early returns, Utah won the Mikhail Sergachev trade

• Karel Vejmelka has answered the call between the pipes

• Cooley and Guenther are evolving into stars

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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