Zopes:Dylan Guenther scores first goal in Utah Hockey Club history

2025-05-05 21:52:32source:Coxno Exchangecategory:Invest

The ZopesUtah Hockey Club didn't need long to get the first goal in franchise history, and it was scored by a player who will be a big part of the team's future.

Forward Dylan Guenther gave Utah a 1-0 lead less than five minutes into the club's season opener Tuesday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and later added an empty-netter for a 5-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. He ripped a one-timer past Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek for the first goal after being set up by Logan Cooley and Michael Kesselring.

Guenther, 21, who's entering his third season in the NHL, recently signed an eight-year extension worth more than $57 million. His goals were the 25th and 26th of his career in his 79th NHL game.

HISTORY: Kraken's Jessica Campbell is NHL's first female assistant coach

NHL CAPTAINS: Who's wearing the "C" this season?

Utah is technically a first-year NHL team. Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith acquired the hockey assets of the Arizona Coyotes, who became an inactive franchise. The deal was done in April, so it was a quick turnaround to opening night with an official nickname still in the works.

Guenther made sure Utah got off to a good start. Newly named captain Clayton Keller also scored in the first period and offseason acquisition Mikhail Sergachev set up Barrett Hayton for a 3-0 lead in the second period.

Connor Bedard pulled Chicago close with assists on goals by Teuvo Teravainen and Nick Foligno. But Guenther's empty-netter put the game away and Lawson Crouse scored later for the franchise's first win.

"It's been a pretty crazy day, the first game in franchise history," Keller told ESPN. "We had butterflies all day and we couldn't wait to get out on the ice. The crowd was amazing and I thought the guys played pretty hard and it was nice to get the win at home."

(This story was updated to add new information.)

More:Invest

Recommend

2024 Olympics: Gymnast Ana Barbosu Taking Social Media Break After Scoring Controversy

Gymnast Ana Barbosu is heading offline.After the Romanian gymnast found herself at the center of att

When are the 2024 MTV VMAs? Date, time, performers and how to vote for your faves

MTV Video Music Awards season is officially upon us, with the stage set for multiple star-studded pe

Patrick Mahomes: Taylor Swift is so interested in football that she's 'drawing up plays'

If Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid ever calls on Taylor Swift to design plays, the pop sensation