Liam O'Brien #38 of the Utah Hockey Club warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 8, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With more than half of their inaugural season complete, the Utah Hockey Club finds themselves four points out of a wild card spot with a .511 record (20-19-7). As they approach the back half of their schedule and attempt to make a push for the playoffs, here’s a look at Utah’s above average performers and their individual report cards through 46 games.
Related: Utah Hockey Club Midseason Report Cards: Top Performers
Stats: 11 GP, 9:15 TOI/G
Grade: B-
Despite a relatively small sample size and the fact that Liam O’Brien has yet to tally a point this season, he’s made a noticeable impact over the last few weeks.
Since returning to the lineup in late December, O’Brien has consistently maintained a spot on the game day roster because of his infectious energy, non-stop motor and palpable aggression.
Utah has scored 3 unanswered goals since O’Brien dropped the gloves.pic.twitter.com/HS9Wvyu6iy
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 19, 2025
While O’Brien’s performances don’t often translate to the scoring sheet, his persistent effort has been highly contagious and positively influenced the team.
He’s been relentless on the forecheck, battled in front of the net, harshly finished his checks, dropped the gloves and driven the team in ways others simply can’t.
He knows what he brings, and he totally embraces it. https://t.co/deUfej6Z3v
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 19, 2025
Every team needs a high-energy guy who can shift the momentum with their energy and physicality.
That’s the role O’Brien is expected to fulfill, and he’s fully embraced it every time he’s taken the ice for Utah.
Stats: 46 GP, 9G, 28A, 18:48 TOI/G
Grade: B
Despite somewhat of a rocky start to the season and struggling to score a goal for Utah until November 30, Schmaltz stuck with it and is now playing his best hockey of the year.
Netting his fourth goal of the month against Winnipeg, Schmaltz has simply played with a different energy and charisma over the past few weeks.
He’s been more active around the net, battled hard for positioning, managed to tip a few in and consistently found his teammates.
Perhaps playing with Logan Cooley has taken some of the weight off of his shoulders in terms of facilitating and allowed him to attack the net with more success.
Regardless, Schmaltz has been a big part of Utah’s recent push for a wild card spot and made a big difference.
Stats: 15 GP, 2G, 3A, 13:30 TOI/G
Grade: B
While Doan has only appeared in 15 games for the Utah Hockey Club this season, his grade is primarily based upon his response to the AHL assignment and the way he’s performed since returning to the NHL.
After just nine games early in the year, Doan was reassigned to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL to “regain his confidence.”
Rather than complaining about the assignment, Doan fully embraced the opportunity with 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 24 games.
For his efforts, Doan was named an AHL All-Star right before his return to Utah.
Arizona’s own, Josh Doan is heading to the 2025 AHL All-Star Game 🌟@FloHockey | #LetsGoTucson pic.twitter.com/Sb7hmJed5P
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 8, 2025
While Doan is another player whose impact is often felt in terms of energy and effort, those attributes have also begun to translate to the scoring sheet.
In the six games since his return, the young forward has registered a goal and two assists.
The effort from Doan here is amazing.
He’s doing exactly what he’s been asked and it’s paying off. https://t.co/tGVdhHAuJc
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 21, 2025
Beautiful play.
Another fantastic setup from Doan. Definition of hustle. https://t.co/qrZxs70sx7
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 21, 2025
As Doan continues to fully acclimate to the NHL, his impact will only grow as his efforts and abilities translate to more points.
Stats: 46 GP, 1G, 12A, 21:02 TOI/G
Grade: B
Coming into the 2024-25 season, the Utah Hockey Club needed a reliable veteran presence on their blue line and that’s exactly what they got in Ian Cole.
Appearing in every game for the club this season, Cole has been consistent in his efforts, made veteran plays and even mentored a few of the younger players (Michael Kesselring and Maveric Lamoureux).
Based on the way he’s played this season; Utah should heavily consider bringing him back as his one-year contract is set to expire.
Stats: 46 GP, 5G, 13A, 18:57 TOI/G
Grade: B
Michael Kesselring has been a pleasant surprise for the Utah Hockey Club this season as he’s taken his game to the next level.
In just 46 appearances this year, Kesselring has nearly matched his 2023-24 totals (5G, 16A) with 5 goals and 13 assists.
In addition to being sharp defensively, Kesselring has been effective on the rush, contributed to special teams and netted a few big goals.
MICHAEL KESSELRING.
OT WINNER! pic.twitter.com/iP0IJIHkDF
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) October 20, 2024
Despite originally being a sixth-round pick, Kesselring has shown glimpses of excellence and may prove to be a top four type of defenseman.
Stats: 46 GP, 10G, 5A, 13:13 TOI/G
Grade: B
Jack McBain appears to have also taken a step forward in his game this season as he already surpassed his goal total from 2023-24 (8) in just 37 games this year.
Primarily playing on the second line with Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther before Guenther was placed on IR, McBain was a key component of the trio’s success.
That’s six goals in the last nine games for Jack McBain… 📈 pic.twitter.com/akygOWfe3r
— NHL (@NHL) November 27, 2024
As a big body, McBain has attacked the net with purpose, cleaned up second-chances, played physical, and opened up critical space for his linemates.
Despite a drop in production over the month of January, McBain has still had an impressive season and will greatly benefit whenever Guenther returns.
Stats: 36 GP, 1G, 8A, 21:29 TOI/G
Grade: B+
In response to Sean Durzi’s lengthy injury, the Utah Hockey Club traded for veteran defenseman Olli Maatta and struck gold.
In all 36 games, the former Stanley Cup Champion has been a reliable and consistent presence on a depleted blue line.
Based on his efforts, Maatta was quickly elevated to Utah’s top defensive pairing and has been fantastic with a positive plus/minus of plus eight.
Similar to Cole, Maatta is a player that Utah should heavily consider bringing back next season.
Stats: 46 GP, 7G, 5A, 14:20 TOI/G
Grade: B+
When the Utah Hockey Club was in search of playoff experience, they signed forward and faceoff specialist Kevin Stenlund to a two-year contract.
So far, that acquisition has quickly paid off as Stenlund has embraced his role, dominated the faceoff circle (59.7 percent), made an impact on special teams and surpassed expectations in terms of production.
He shoots, he scores ‼️
Kevin Stenlund goal! https://t.co/nGRHfvrG2U pic.twitter.com/uU1zreXEFZ
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) October 13, 2024
To receive 12 points from a fourth line center in addition to nearly 60 percent on faceoffs is a huge win for Utah.
The Utah Hockey Club will now face the Minnesota Wild on the road on Thursday night. The game can be viewed on ESPN+ and Hulu. 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.
