Josh Doan #91 of Utah Hockey Club scores the game tying goal during the third period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on October 10, 2024 in Elmont, New York. The Utah Hockey Club defeated the Islanders 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – After more than two months on assignment with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, forward Josh Doan has returned to the Utah Hockey Club. With Dylan Guenther “out indefinitely” due to an injury he sustained against the Florida Panthers, Doan now has an opportunity to prove himself in the NHL.
Utah Hockey Club forward Dylan Guenther will be out indefinitely (lower body).
Josh Doan has been recalled from the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL).#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 10, 2025
Following a stellar training camp and preseason with the Utah Hockey Club, Doan was rewarded with a spot on the opening day roster.
While he started off strong with a game-tying goal against the New York Islanders and recorded an assist against the Anaheim Ducks, the coaching staff ultimately decided that an assignment in Tucson would help Doan regain his confidence.
JOSH DOAN OMG!!! pic.twitter.com/ItyACNIyKI
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) October 11, 2024
“You could see he didn’t have the same confidence that he did during training camp.”
“It was the opportunity for us to give him the chance to go play in the AHL, get his confidence back, his game back, and his swagger back,” Tourigny said shortly after Doan was sent to Tucson.
Coach Tourigny on sending Doan down to the AHL: “You could see he didn’t have the same confidence that he did during training camp…it was the opportunity for us to give him the chance to go play in the AHL, get his confidence back, his game back, his swagger back.”#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/lSJNouQ756
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 29, 2024
Despite being reassigned so quickly, Doan embraced the opportunity, did exactly what was asked of him and even earned All-Star honors along the way.
Josh Doan is an AHL All Star.#UtahHC https://t.co/E2TCtFPhJe
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 8, 2025
In 24 games, Doan compiled 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) and was one of Tucson’s most impactful all-around players.
Mr. All-Star also has himself a goal tonight for Tucson.
Josh Doan is doing well in the AHL.pic.twitter.com/5rUowozWla
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 9, 2025
“A lot has changed. Obviously, you come out with a different perspective. You go down, and you work on things that they talk to you about and try to grow your game in a better way…” Doan said.
Josh Doan on his time in Tucson & returning to UHC: “A lot has changed obviously. You come out with a different perspective. You go down & work on things they talked to you about…just being comfortable with the puck…trusting myself…& getting back to the net front.”#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/7Wehb8Essp
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 10, 2025
The jump from the AHL to the NHL is obviously significant.
The game is faster, the players are better, and it requires near perfection from each skater as the best league in the world.
As Doan prepares to return to the NHL against the San Jose Sharks, his confidence is back and he’s ready to build on it.
“It’s [his confidence] in a spot that I’m happy with,” Doan explained. “At the same time, it’s a different level coming up here and playing again. So, shake off the nerves as quick as you can…”
“It’s at a spot where I’m happy with it and hopefully you can build off of it.”
Josh Doan is already in Salt Lake City after being recalled from Tucson.#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/T87iobDXqh
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 10, 2025
In terms of his skillset, Doan is a gifted offensive player with a blazing shot and the ability to create havoc inside the offensive zone.
With good size and a willingness to be aggressive, Doan attacks on the forecheck to create loose pucks and then moves into a position to try and score or set up his teammates.
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 4, 2025
Whether its one-timers, well placed shots from the slot or cleaning things up inside the crease, Doan is always dangerous.
Defense ➡️ offense pic.twitter.com/Et2Ib3uAbx
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) December 21, 2024
While it’s incredibly unfortunate for Utah to lose their leading goal-scorer for an extended period of time, Doan is a talented player that can make an impact for his team.
As he returns to Utah’s second line alongside what appears to be Matias Maccelli and Barrett Hayton, Coach Tourigny has outlined his expectations for No. 91 and is really happy to have him back on the roster.
“I want to see him play with a lot of pace,” Tourigny said.” I want to see him get on the forecheck, get some touches inside. He has really quick hands and makes quick decisions with the puck.
“I’m really happy to have him back.”
The Utah Hockey Club will host the San Jose Sharks on Friday 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.
