As the puck dropped at the inaugural home game for the Utah Hockey Club (Utah HC), an unexpected guest found himself in an unfamiliar vantage point. Ryan Smith, the owner of Utah HC, decided to place NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in the most exhilarating seats in the arena—right against the glass. This is a location that offers an unrivaled view of the action, similar to NFL sidelines or NBA courtside seats, but it comes with its own set of risks. Hockey is a sport where the intensity spills over, with players crashing into the barriers and pucks flying at high speeds. It was a bold move by Smith, emphasizing his desire to give Bettman a unique experience during this landmark event.
An Unusual Seat for the Commissioner
Gary Bettman, who typically views games from the safety of higher-tier seats, found himself in the thick of the action. The decision by Smith wasn’t just about offering a front-row seat; it was about immersing one of the most powerful figures in hockey into the heart of Utah HC’s new beginning. Halfway through the game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Smith realized the uniqueness of the situation. He shared on the ‘Spittin’ Chiclets’ podcast:
“I didn’t know that … it’s a whole new world. Especially not knowing that Gary doesn’t sit on the glass. It wasn’t till like halfway through when I was like, ‘Hey, when’s the last time you sat on the glass like this?’ and he’s like, ‘Yeah, we don’t, we don’t do that.’
A Historic Goal Witnessed Up Close
This proximity to the ice allowed both Smith and Bettman to witness the first-ever goal scored by Utah HC in their franchise history—a moment of significant importance not just for the team, but for the enthusiastic fans and the broader sports community in Utah. The presence of the NHL Commissioner at such a pivotal moment underscored the league’s support and optimism for the new team. Bettman, acknowledging the significance of the occasion, shared his reflections on the team’s potential, expressing high hopes for their debut season.
“I had high expectations. Ryan Smith had higher expectations, and I believe he and Chris [Armstrong] and Ashley [Smith] and their entire organization have been incredible in getting this team established and up and running in an unbelievably short window. I couldn’t be more thrilled and more excited,”
Bettman remarked, as reported by Sports Business Journal.
A Promising Start for Utah HC
The game itself was more than just a ceremonial first puck drop; it represented the culmination of efforts by the Smiths and their team to create a competitive NHL franchise from scratch. Their efforts seem to be paying off, with Utah HC already making waves in the Central Division, currently holding the third spot early in the season.
The audacity to start strong, to bring in high-profile figures into the very fabric of the game’s experience, and to create memorable moments right from the first home game, all signal Utah HC’s commitment to excellence and excitement. This daring approach not only made a significant impression on Gary Bettman but also set a high bar for what fans can expect from Utah HC in the future.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.