Lamoureux ready for time in the NHL spotlight after his Utah debut

SALT LAKE CITY – Maveric Lamoureux smiled in the Utah Hockey Club locker room Thursday when he found out he would make his NHL debut for the Utah Hockey Club that same night against the Colorado Avalanche.

“I was in the room with everyone, so I didn’t want to shout or be too happy, but I had a big smile,” Lamoureux said.

Lamoureux started this season in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners, but with defensemen Sean Durzi and John Marino out with injuries, the 20-year-old was called up to Utah and quickly found out he would be in the lineup.

“There is one chance to play your first game in the NHL and it will never happen again,” said Andre Tourigny, head coach of the Utah Hockey Club.

“It’s a dream for everyone to play in the NHL,” Lamoureux said. “But the number of players who make it is almost zero, so I definitely didn’t think I would be here today, but it’s great to have that opportunity. I’m lucky to be here today.”

Utah selected Lamoureux in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft when the team was based in Arizona. He is one of the top prospects in the organization and has a chance to prove himself in the best league in the world.

In his debut against the Avalanche, Lamoureux was on the ice for almost 19 minutes.

“He’s been playing really well for us so far in Tucson,” Tourigny said. “He’s big and can skate very well. He has good range and is a good candidate for us, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

“I’m happy to make my debut here,” said Lamoureux. “I’m excited to play in front of all the fans, they’re great here.”

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