Fans excited about Utah Hockey Club’s first home game

SALT LAKE CITY – After months of anticipation, fans were able to experience the Utah Hockey Club’s home preseason debut.

Allie and Emily Fox arrived at the Delta Center just before doors opened on Monday evening.

“I grew up in North Carolina, so I was a Hurricanes fan,” Emily said.

The Fox's loyalty to other NHL teams has always been strong.

“I was a fan of the Montreal Canadians because I'm from Australia. It's a Commonwealth country, so I was a big fan of the Canadians. They were kind of like the New York Yankees of hockey,” Allie said.

For the Herriman couple, everything changed last spring.

“We're Utah, we're excited, I have Keller, number 9, star forward,” Allie said.

The Foxes did not want to miss the opportunity to meet the team in person at the first opportunity.

“It's like the first game. When Utah had its last NHL team, I just wanted to be here. We wanted to be here,” Emily said.

At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening the doors to the Delta Center opened

Fans of all ages flocked to the Delta Center wearing their Utah Hockey Club gear.

8-year-old Braiden Webb came to the game on Monday with his family and friends.

FOX 13 News asked Braiden what he was most looking forward to.

“I think just watching the team’s first game is a cool experience,” Braiden said.

Both Braiden and his 11-year-old brother Braxton play hockey.

“I just think it's going to be super loud and fun,” Braxton said.

The Webb brothers talked about what they were most looking forward to about the game itself.

“Look at the goalies’ play,” Braxton said.

“I met Logan Cooley, so I hope he scores a goal,” Braiden added.

Her friend Griffin Hill had other ideas.

“I actually want to see her fight in person,” Hill said.

Fans like the Foxes say they will always remember it.

“We tell our kids we're in the first game, and yes, I think the first game is the most important game, so we're excited,” Allie said.

The Utah Hockey Club will travel to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday at 8 p.m.

Follow almost all of the Utah Hockey Club games this fall on Utah 16!