Utah Hockey Club center Barrett Hayton (27) celebrates after scoring a goal with teammate Utah Hockey Club right wing Josh Doan (91) as the Utah Hockey Club and Winnipeg Jets play at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – While Josh Doan has finally found his footing and earned a well-deserved spot on Utah’s roster, the inaugural season in Salt Lake City has been one of adversity for No. 91. Despite originally making the lineup on day one, Doan had to endure several assignments in the AHL before making his official return.
After an impressive stretch to end the 2023-24 season in Arizona, Doan was set on making Utah’s opening day roster and leaving the AHL behind for good.
Originally, Doan achieved his goal as he suited up for Utah on October 8, 2024, in the inaugural game at Delta Center.
However, after nine games in the NHL, the coaching staff determined that Doan would greatly benefit from more time in Tucson with the Roadrunners.
“You could see he didn’t have the same confidence that he did during training camp…it was the opportunity for us to give him the chance to go play in the AHL, get his confidence back, his game back, his swagger back,” head coach Andre Tourigny said.
Coach Tourigny on sending Doan down to the AHL: “You could see he didn’t have the same confidence that he did during training camp…it was the opportunity for us to give him the chance to go play in the AHL, get his confidence back, his game back, his swagger back.”#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/lSJNouQ756
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 29, 2024
Not exactly something you want to hear shortly after making the roster.
“Obviously, you’re always going to be disappointed to get that news. You want to be up with the NHL club and helping them win every night and when you don’t get the opportunity to do that, it’s a little bit hard. But at the same time, I’ve got a group of guys down here that I trust a lot and really enjoy playing with” Doan explained.
Rather than sulking, Doan put his head down, embraced the opportunity and absolutely thrived in the AHL.
In 25 games with the Roadrunners, Doan tallied eight goals and 13 assists to earn AHL All-Star honors right before being recalled to Utah.
Related: Utah Hockey Club Prospect Josh Doan Earns AHL All-Star Appearance
Josh Doan is an AHL All Star.#UtahHC https://t.co/E2TCtFPhJe
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 8, 2025
“Just continue to stay in the flow of things,” Doan said. “Grow in the little areas and figure out how to play at the professional levels has been the main point for me this year. To learn every time I am on the ice…”
Josh Doan has embraced adversity this year & taken advantage of several AHL assignments, including 5 points in 3 games over the break.
Outstanding character.
“Grow in the little areas and figure out how to play at the professional levels…to learn every time I’m on the ice.” pic.twitter.com/4TKTDVvUHa
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 19, 2025
Since returning to the Utah Hockey Club, Doan has been a different player than he was before.
He’s visibly confident, relentless, energetic, physical and arguably hustles more than anybody else on the team.
Doaner 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IrN5atCYHH
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 9, 2025
In addition to three goals and five assists in 19 games back, Doan has made a palpable impact with his non-stop motor and an unwillingness to quit.
Every shift, Doan attacks, battles in the dirty areas, and suffocates the opposition with his persistent hustle to create extra chances.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Doan is such a team-first player and I don’t anticipate we’ll see him playing in Tucson anymore. https://t.co/uPfzhZk3Np
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 26, 2025
“Something I was taught as a kid, you’re not always forechecking for yourself. You’re forechecking for your line mates and trying to create space for them,” Doan explained.
“Sometimes, sacrificing yourself is the best thing you can do as a teammate.”
Josh Doan = big team first guy:
“Something I was taught as a kid, you’re not always forechecking for yourself. You’re forechecking for your line mates and trying to create space for them…”
“Sometimes, sacrificing yourself is the best thing you can do as a teammate.” pic.twitter.com/7BVDMH2lVs
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 26, 2025
After making such obvious improvements to his game, Doan has swiftly captured the attention of the fans, his teammates and the coaching staff.
“His stick, his forecheck, his pace, his energy tonight, he was really good.” Tourigny said following Utah’s matchup with Vancouver on Sunday. “He played a really solid game. He was one of our better players.”
So, while the season hasn’t exactly gone as planned, Doan has been the perfect example of trusting the process, embracing adversity, and truly earning his minutes.
The Utah Hockey Club will host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday 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.
