Utah Hockey Club: Josh Doan Aims for Legacy in Inaugural Season
Setting the Stage for the Utah Hockey Club
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Putting on the Utah Hockey Club’s full home uniform for the first time at the 2024 NHLPA Rookie Showcase gave Josh Doan another reason to get excited about the upcoming season.
“It looks good,” the 22-year-old forward said of the predominantly black kit with white and light blue striping and white lettering and numbers. “It’s definitely something we were all excited to see for the first time, so it’s pretty cool.”
Embracing New Beginnings
There will be a lot of firsts for Doan and his teammates in Utah’s inaugural season after the team officially joined the NHL on June 13. The move brings bittersweet feelings for Doan, who grew up in Arizona, where his father, Shane Doan, played for the Coyotes for 20 seasons.
- Shane Doan's Legacy: He is the Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets franchise leader in games (1,540), goals (402), assists (570), and points (972).
- Josh Doan's Challenge: “It’s weird. It’s hard seeing a hometown team leave but being part of a new team is exciting.”
A Legacy of His Own
The move allows Josh to establish his own legacy in a new city, distinct from his father's accomplishments. He draws inspiration from Shane’s adaptation to the Coyotes during their transition after the Jets relocated.
- Learning from Dad: Shane advised him to embrace the new environment.
- Community Excitement: Fans in Utah have long awaited their own team to cheer for.
A Bright Future for the Utah Hockey Club
A second-round pick by Arizona in the 2021 NHL Draft, Doan aims to solidify his place in the lineup this season, having already made an impact towards the end of last season.
- Focus Points: Establishing trust and consistency on the ice.
- The Youth Movement: Young players like Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Michael Kesselring are eager to contribute.
Doan remarks, “We’re growing together as a team and are excited about the future.” The blend of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters sets the stage for an exciting journey as Utah looks to contend for playoff spots.
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