A new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll gauged fan interest in following the new NHL team and attending games.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Hockey Club defenseman Olli Maatta (2) looks to pass the puck as Utah Hockey Club center Clayton Keller (9) looks on and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) defends during the game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

The Utah Hockey Club (16-12-6) are dealing with five players on the injury report heading into their Friday, December 27 matchup with the Colorado Avalanche (21-15) at Delta Center, which starts

The Avalanche currently hold the third playoff spot in the division, being four points ahead of Utah HC. Utah has two games in hand, meaning they could potentially get to that spot by the time they play as many games as Colorado.

Utah Hockey Club head coach Andre Tourigny stands behind his bench during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Utah won 6-1. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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The Utah Hockey Club’s last two regulation losses have now come at the hands of the Dallas Stars following Monday night’s 3-2 loss at home. An insufficient effort in the second period was Utah HC’s demise. Outside of that, it was as evenly matched as any game.