The state of Utah has added another professional sports franchise to its ranks. The Utah Hockey Club has begun operations in Salt Lake City after a 28-year tenure in the city of Phoenix, Arizona.
The franchise began in 1972 as the Winnipeg Jets as a member of the World Hockey Association. In 1979, the fledgling WHA collapsed, but the Jets remained popular enough to be added to the National Hockey League’s Campbell (Western) Conference.
In 1995, the Jets moved to Phoenix and became the Arizona Coyotes. Following their departure from Arizona, three major pro franchises remain – the Cardinals (NFL), Diamondbacks (MLB), and Suns (NBA).
The league has suggested that it will continue its committment to the Phoenix and Arizona markets. The Coyotes have been thrust into a mandated five-year period of inactivity, but if progress has been made on a new arena, the franchise can return to the region after that time.
“[W]e shall return [to Arizona/Phonenix].”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
The UHC joins the Utah Jazz of the NBA to bolster Salt Lake City’s professional sports profile to two total franchises. Neither the Jets nor the Coyotes ever managed to win a Stanley Cup.
Incidentally, the Utah Jazz have never captured an NBA Championship.
Last night, Utah debuted against the Chicago Blackhawks, winning the game in front of a sold-out home crowd at the Delta Center by a final score of 5-2.
“Today was special, there’s no doubt about it,”
Utah Hockey Club Head Coach Andre Tourigny
Despite the utilization of a pre-existing roster, a luxury that most expansion teams do not receive, Utah is not favored to reach the playoffs at most NHL betting sites.
Their odds of winning the Stanley Cup are set at +5000, which is good for 19th place. Their odds of winning the Western Conference are also +5000, placing them 10th.
Their next game is tomorrow night on the road against the New York Islanders where the UHC is a 1.5-puck underdog.
Utah Hockey Club vs. New York Islanders Betting Line
- Puck Line: Utah +1.5 (-200), New York -1.5 (+170)
- Moneyline: Utah +125, New York -145
- Over: 5.5 (-125)
- Under: 5.5 (+105)
The best time to take advantage of NHL odds at online hockey sportsbooks is early in the season before the experts determine each franchise’s makeup.
Perhaps a change of venue is all that was required to convert the team into a winner. We’ll check back at midseason to see how they’re holding up.
Bovada Sportsbook – The Official Website Of The National Hockey League – The New York Post – ESPN