Michael Kesselring, a standout defenseman for the Utah Hockey Club, has been selected to represent Team USA at the upcoming 2025 IIHF World Championship in Denmark and Sweden. At 25, Kesselring is building on a successful season where he achieved career-highs in various statistical categories, including goals and assists. He previously made an impact on the international stage with two goals and an assist during last year's tournament.

Joining Kesselring on Team USA are fellow Granite State connections Drew O'Connor and two Boston Bruins players, Jeremy Swayman and Mason Lohrei. O'Connor, now with the Vancouver Canucks after a trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins, brings valuable NHL experience, while Swayman has had a solid season in net with a record of 22-29.

The Utah Hockey Club's inaugural season in Salt Lake City has generated incredible excitement among players and fans alike. With a mix of seasoned and new talent, the team has embraced the supportive community, kicking off their journey with a sold-out welcome event at Delta Center. Defenseman Sean Durzi highlighted the electric atmosphere, noting the palpable buzz surrounding hockey in Utah. The enthusiasm continued with packed arenas for every home game, where players like Liam O'Brien and Clayton Keller expressed pride in representing the team.

Throughout the season, players showcased remarkable moments, including standout performances like goaltender Karel Vejmelka's 49-save victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. The team's bond with its fans grew stronger with each home game, creating a unique experience that many players described as unforgettable. Off the ice, players embraced Utah's family-friendly culture, enjoying the scenic landscapes and community spirit.

The Utah Hockey Club is setting high expectations for the coming 2026 season, with players expressing a strong desire to reach the playoffs. Team member Michael Kesselring emphasized the importance of building on their experiences from the previous season, indicating a collective commitment to achieving postseason success.

With the team approaching its contract limit, strategic planning is essential as management prepares for an offseason that could see new acquisitions, particularly in the forward position. Prospects like Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser, and Nikolaj Ehlers are potential targets to fill the gaps in the lineup.

In a thrilling matchup, Clayton Keller shone for the Utah Hockey Club with a goal and three assists, leading his team to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. The win snapped Utah's three-game losing streak, bringing their record to 2-4-1 in the last seven games. Logan Cooley contributed significantly with a goal and two assists, while Michael Kesselring and Nick Schmaltz also found the back of the net.

The game unfolded dramatically, with Tyler Tucker opening the scoring for St. Louis just over two minutes into the contest. However, Utah quickly rallied, netting three goals in a span of 4.5 minutes to establish a commanding 3-1 lead.

Connor Ingram excel in goal for Utah, stopping 22 shots, while Jordan Binnington recorded 29 saves for the Blues. Despite a resilient effort from St. Louis, including goals from Jake Neighbours and Tucker, Utah's early offensive surge proved too much to overcome.

Michael Kesselring's performance, featuring a goal and an assist, propelled Utah to a 5-2 victory over the struggling Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres, now winless in six games, saw rookie Tyson Kozak score his first NHL goal, but it wasn't enough to overcome Utah's offensive surge.

Utah's victory marked their first win this season after trailing in the first period, while Buffalo's long winless streak has fans expressing frustration with the team's management and performance.