Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on January 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Making his second appearance at Delta Center this season, former 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard reflected on his inaugural game experience from back in October while also praising Utah Hockey Club forwards Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther ahead of Tuesday’s matchup.
While October 8, 2024, was a night to remember for all of Utah as the NHL descended upon Salt Lake City for the first ever home game in franchise history, the Chicago Blackhawks were also a critical piece of that historic night.
As the first regular season opponent in Utah Hockey Club history, Bedard and his squad were able to witness firsthand the NHL’s newest home and venue.
“Spicy Tuna” chants breakout at Delta Center before they score their third goal of the night.
There is a real love connection between this state and Liam O’Brien 🏔️❤️🔥🍣#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/ZEJeiH8itp
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 9, 2024
“It was fun last game,” Bedard said. “Obviously, got to be at their first game ever so that was enjoyable. Good crowds and excited to be at another one here.”
Not only did Bedard enjoy his first experience in Utah, but he also wasn’t surprised by the response of the fans and how loud Delta Center was that night.
“It was their first game ever. Kind of expected it to be loud. It was good, it was fun and looking forward to it,” Bedard added.
Before these two teams meet again in Salt Lake City, Bedard was very complimentary of both Cooley and Guenther.
As three of the brightest stars in the National Hockey League, Bedard has played around Utah’s young forwards in several international hockey settings.
While Bedard shared a line with Guenther for Team Canada, he and Cooley were the main attractions of the 2023 World Juniors as Cooley registered five goals and six assists for Team USA, second only to Bedard in the tournament.
Possessing a lot of familiarity with each of their games, Bedard had high praise for Cooley and Guenther.
“[Cooley’s] creativity, skillset, & hockey IQ are a few things he thrives in…he makes a lot of smart plays,” Bedard said.
“He [Guenther] just gets it off so quick…He’s probably got the best one-timer I’ve seen up close.”
Connor Bedard with high praise for Cooley & Guenther 👀
“[Cooley’s] creativity, skillset, & hockey IQ are a few things he thrives in…he makes a lot of smart plays.”
“He [Guenther] just gets it off so quick…He’s probably got the best one-timer I’ve seen up close.” pic.twitter.com/KjTkjkNES6
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 25, 2025
As both sides are at various stages of a rebuild with their clubs, it’s no surprise that they’ve all become cornerstones for those organizations.
Looking ahead to the future, there will certainly be a collection of memorable matchups on their paths to superstardom and potentially becoming the primary faces of the league.
The Utah Hockey Club will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night at Delta Center. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
