Maveric Lamoureux #10 of the Utah Hockey Club in action against the San Jose Sharks during their preseason game at SAP Center on October 01, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – For the first time in his young career, 20-year-old defenseman Maveric Lamoureux will make his NHL debut for the Utah Hockey Club against the Colorado Avalanche. After being called up from the AHL yesterday, tonight will mark one of the most important moments in Lamoureux’s life and career.
Maveric Lamoureux will make his NHL debut tonight.
He will play with Ian Cole.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 24, 2024
Like any professional sport, making your first ever debut is special. But in the NHL, there’s arguably even more emotion as it can take years for players to finally reach the highest level. Unlike most other sports, the vast majority of first round draft picks spend more time developing in lower leagues. This can result in a multi-year process before they finally take the NHL ice.
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After being drafted 29th overall in 2022, Lamoureux’s time has finally come.
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“Of course, it’s a dream for everyone to play. But everyone has that dream and the amount of players that make it is close to zero. So finally having that chance is amazing…I am really lucky to be here today,” Lamoureux said.
In his debut, Lamoureux will be paired with veteran Ian Cole to help him acclimate to the NHL level.
“He’s been great,” Lamoureux said about Cole. “He’s talking so much, he wants to make sure I know everything, that I play good…Having that guy as my ‘D’ partner with that much experience is definitely good for me.”
As customary in the NHL, Lamoureux will take a rookie lap ahead of warmups while the rest of the team waits for him to enjoy his moment.
“I think it reminds all of our guys that have been there. I often say never forget where you came from. … They probably have a little smile looking at Mav, being nervous and stuff like that. It’s just good for everybody,” head coach Andre Tourigny said.
The Utah Hockey Club will continue their homestand against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
