Dylan Guenther speaks to reporters at the Utah NHL Draft Party at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 28, 2024 (Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News).
(Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – At the conclusion of the NHL’s inaugural season in Utah, the Utah Hockey Club participated in exit interviews to review the season, answer questions and provide an outlook on the future.
The following is a live blog of Utah Hockey Club’s exit interviews:
Exit interviews on deck.
We’ll have updates throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/6eDlRiql1p
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
In regard to Nick Bjugstad’s future in Utah, he said Bill Armstrong has some decisions to make and there’s a lot of guys coming in the pipeline, but he enjoyed his time here.
Still feels like he has a lot to give.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Nick Bjugstad said that everyone felt like they underachieved by not making the playoffs, but the goal is to take another 10-point leap next season and hopefully that gets them in.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
John Marino said he’s all good now after experiencing an upper body injury that kept him out the last few games.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Barrett Hayton on the difference between the beginning of the season and the end: “We learned how to win games, we learned how to play those top teams, and compete every night.”
“I think we’re a night and day different team.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Barrett Hayton on missing the playoffs: “It stings. It’s frustrating. That was a huge goal of ours. Something each guy wanted so badly.
“It stings and there’s hunger as well…honestly it pisses you off…we’re going to come back and take a big step.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Kevin Stenlund’s pitch to free agents: “Every team that played here noticed how loud our fans were. Our owner is great and we get a new practice facility.”
“People will want to play here.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Kevin Stenlund on how the team can take the next step: “More consistency. The last two months was good. We’ve got to keep that for six.”
“Just get ten percent better.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Matias Maccelli on his future in Utah:
“Still got one more year. I would love to be here.”
“I like the guys. I love the fans…it will be good to get back on track here.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Sean Durzi on the playoff push: “When we we’re healthy, it’s a pretty good group. We matchup against any team in the league pretty well.”
“Night in, night out we had the belief that we could beat any single club in the league, and I think we showed that.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Sean Durzi on how Utah welcomed him: “My neighborhood was pretty welcoming right away. Getting gifts, dinners, all of that brought to the door. Just can’t believe how nice the people have been here.”
“You want to make it home as quick as you can & the community helped us do…
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Sean Durzi on Utah being a destination spot: “One thing I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about is how well the organization has handled things and treats us.”
“You look at the group and the direction we’re heading, it’s got to be a destination.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Liam O’Brien on Utah: “It’s pretty amazing the fanbase we have already.”
“I think we’ve made so many new hockey fans. There’s a lot of people I talk to in the city that come up to me & say, ‘Hey I’ve never watched hockey, I just went to a game &, now I’m addicted.'”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Jack McBain on Guenther’s new contract kicking in: “He had me paying for eggs the morning after he signed that, so I don’t know if we’ll be seeing anything.”
“I joked with him in Arizona that I wanted a nice pool house whenever he bought…we have fun together.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Jack McBain confirmed that the hot tub in their backyard was never fixed.
“It is still there collecting dust and mold.”
He told us to tell Guenther he could afford a nicer one.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Jack McBain on Utah being a destination for FA’s: “The way you get treated here is probably top in the league.”
“Living in Utah is amazing. I think we’ve got a really good group moving forward that can do a lot of really good things…it’s a great spot for hockey.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Jack McBain on Utah’s future: “We know what we have to do as a team. There’s only one goal in that locker room.”
“The rebuild is over…it’s go time here.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Michael Carcone said he doesn’t expect to return next season.
He expects to go a different direction following conversations he had with the front office.
Biggest issue was consistency. He doesn’t feel like he was given enough opportunity to prove himself.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Michael Carcone on his future with Utah HC: “I don’t think we’re going to agree on anything. I spoke to the coaching staff & management & I think we’re gonna go in a different direction.”
Says he’s looking for more consistency and playing time as he enters free agency.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Logan Cooley on Utah becoming a consistent playoff contender: “When we’re on, we’re one of the top teams in the league. When we’re not, it’s pretty ugly.”
“I think finding consistency and finding ways to make sure we have it every night.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Logan Cooley on conversations with Team USA about World Championships this summer: “There’s been some talks. Still on the fence right now. Still deciding.”
“Tomorrow I’ll reflect on everything and make my decision.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Logan Cooley’s thoughts on eventually winning a Stanley Cup in Utah: “That’s what you play for. That’s what you train for in the summer. It’s something that everyone wants to do & accomplish.”
“We want to bring a Stanley Cup here & that will be pretty special one day.” pic.twitter.com/fVYKusorxT
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Dylan Guenther said his nose is fine and he’ll have a healthy summer.
He also said he prefers the visor to the bubble which is a bummer for all of us.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Dylan Guenther’s thoughts on Utah as a FA destination: “The impact of the city and how much people care. The building is sold out every night. We’re losing by 3 or 4 some game and people are still there.”
“That’s not normal…the players want to be here and win in Utah.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Karel Vejmelka shares why he loves Utah away from the rink: “I love nature here. I love Utah as a country.
Really easy to live here. I really like to spend some time outside…it’s really unique nature here. I just love to be outside.” pic.twitter.com/3TtRJxFFBJ
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Karel Vejmelka on becoming a fan favorite: “It means a lot to me. I’ve never had support like that from the fans.”
“I just love to play here. It’s literally like my home…we couldn’t ask for a better organization as a brand new team.” pic.twitter.com/2WwLnXccdW
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 17, 2025
Ian Cole on this season: “The way this season ended for the team was certainly disappointing. To say anything else would be a bit of a lie.”
“Not making the playoff was disappointing and it should be.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Ian Cole on setting a standard of making the playoffs: “Sometimes teams need to lose to figure out how they want to play or how they want to sacrifice to win.”
“I’m hoping this is a situation where we’re like alright, enough is enough. We’re not going to let this happen again.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Ian Cole on setting a standard of making the playoffs: “Sometimes teams need to lose to figure out how they want to play or how they want to sacrifice to win.”
“I’m hoping this is a situation where we’re like alright, enough is enough. We’re not going to let this happen again.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Clayton Keller confirmed he’s going to World Championships for Team USA.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Clayton Keller on making the playoffs a standard moving forward: “I think we all got a little taste of it this year. How hard it is to win.”
“I’m super excited about our group. So confident in our guys, our prospects…everyone is a family on our team.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Clayton Keller on reaching 90 points: “It’s nice but that’s not what drives me. What drives me is winning.”
“You want to be a player that’s impactful in the playoffs in big situations when it matters the most.” pic.twitter.com/XzMoT3fb1T
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Lawson Crouse on Utah: “We are hockey players, but we can’t do it about the community.”
“Every time we step onto the ice, it’s the loudest rink in the league when we play. I have friends throughout the league that say it’s a lot of fun to play here.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Lawson Crouse on the team’s potential: “You can see it on the ice. We have young guys that are excelling and learning.”
“With our roster, there’s no reason why we’re going to go down. We’re going up. We all believe that. You feel it.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Mikhail Sergachev on Utah: “It’s my home. I like how we’re improving as a group…it’s exciting for me. We’re not standing still.”
“I love it here…I could live here after I’m retired. I love this place.” pic.twitter.com/2l7bPyzcqW
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Sergachev chicken chronicles continue:
“We will hire someone to come over and take care of them.”
The rabbits however will go back to the store:
“I feel bad for them…one time they ran out & were eating my neighbors flowers. He was pissed…I want them to have the best life.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Mikhail Sergachev has reached out to Utah HC prospect Dmitry Simashev:
“I’m trying to plan our summer skates so he can come and join me and we skate together.”
“I will do my best to help him out.”
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Following the conclusion of the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, the next notable event will be the NHL Draft on June 27 and 28.
