Andre Tourigny Impressed With Progression Of Young Players Heading Into Pre-Season Opener

It's finally here.

After a long five months, the Utah Hockey Club will make its pre-season NHL debut tonight in Des Moines, Iowa, against the St. Louis Blues.

But more than anything, head coach Andre Tourigny said at Sunday's morning skate at the Olympic Oval he wants to see the young guns on the traveling roster learn how to become a true professional, which has been part of his coaching M.O. since his time with Team Canada.

The club will certainly have a chance to do so, as veterans like Logan Cooley, Michael Kesselring, and Dylan Guenther (fresh off his new eight-year extension) are expected to play a big role in tonight's pre-season opener.

"To be a leader in the NHL, you have to be a leader of your group," Tourigny said. "I want them (the veterans) to lead by focus and by energy, not by their play."

That expectation of leadership has permeated the entire team throughout training camp, and it's led to several big changes to the practice groups taking place in the last two days.

Some of the more noteworthy changes include first-round pick Cole Beaudoin remaining with the first group, while Milos Kelemen (who will play tonight) and Egor Sokolov were elevated to the early practice time just yesterday.

And as for fifth-round pick Owen Allard, who was a standout in rookie camp, he's also earned a right to play his first ever NHL pre-season game tonight.

"The first group is extremely competitive right now," he said. "To see (the younger players) compete with the veterans, it's a good feeling to know those guys can play at that level."

Game Day Information: Utah Hockey Club vs. St. Louis Blues
Sunday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. MT; Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA

This article has been corrected to reflect there will be no over-the-air broadcast on KUPX16 or The KSL Sports Zone this evening.