The Utah Hockey Club ended its weeklong summer prospect camp with an open scrimmage in front of a crowd that packed the lower bowl of Delta Center Friday.
You would have thought from the electricity in the building that it was a playoff game.
Even though it was just a summer showcase, it was another reminder that hockey really does belong in Utah.
Such was the message as the Utah Hockey Club closed out its first-ever prospect development camp with an open scrimmage that featured a two-half game, a 3-on-3 overtime session, and a 5-man shootout.
And while Team White handily won the game behind Danil But's four-goal performance, it was Team Black who rallied to post a shutout in the shootout.
The day was also highlighted by Mikhail Sergachev's first appearance in front of the Utah faithful, and he received a loud ovation when he was interviewed by in-arena host Michael Goodkind late in the first half.
"It's a special moment to be here," defence prospect Noel Nordh said. "The first Utah hockey camp, to be in front of so many people, it's a special moment."
The Swede posted an assist on one of Team Black's goals, but dazzled in the shootout with a slick backhand-to-forehand deke before sliding it past goaltender Michael Hrabal's left pad.
"I've tried that in Sweden a couple of times in training, but never in a game," Nordh said, laughing. "I thought it would be so much slower, but it went in, so it was a nice feeling."
But the atmosphere, Nordh said, will be something he remembers for a long time, adding he is excited to see what comes next -- both on and off the ice.
"Some of the guys were cocky before the game," he said, laughing, referring to if prospects had made friendly wagers on which team would win the scrimmage. "It was nothing special, though; everyone is just happy to be here."