“A dream come true”: One of the Utah Hockey Club’s top prospects has been called up to the NHL

KEARNS – Maveric Lamoureux smiled as he ran his hands proudly over his chin. The 20-year-old defender had grown some new (not to mention subtle) facial hair.

“It’s the only thing I can grow from, so I do my best,” he said with a laugh. “People told me it made me look a little older.”

The normally baby-faced Lamoureux probably feels like he has to grow up pretty quickly.

Four games into his professional ice hockey career, things continue to go up for him. Lamoureux was at his apartment in Tucson, Arizona, late Tuesday when he received life-changing news: The young prospect was on his way to the show.

Utah HC recalled the 20-year-old defenseman from the AHL, giving one of the organization's best talents his first crack at the NHL.

“I didn’t think I would be called up straight away – so quickly; but being here is great,” he said with a smile that refused to leave. “Everyone wants to be here, so the fact that I’m here means a lot. Will I play or not? I don't know it. I really hope I do, but if not, it's just to achieve this.” The experience is great for me.

He boarded a 6 a.m. flight to Salt Lake City on Wednesday and a few hours later skated in his first NHL practice at the Utah Olympic Oval. Lamoureux joins a team in need of some defensive reinforcements after defensemen John Marino (lower back) and Sean Durzi (shoulder) both recently underwent surgery and will be out for much of the season.

These injuries opened the door for Lamoureux to get a chance at the big club.

Lamoureux was drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft, but two shoulder surgeries have slowed his development. He remembers staying fit with leg workouts and gaining weight by eating extra meals.

“But I had to eat to grow taller,” he said. “So it was a lot of eating and a lot of leg training, that’s for sure.”

Despite the long rehab, these setbacks did not dull his smile. He now feels like all the work and patience has paid off. His shoulders – he had surgery on both – are healthy again and he has now been ruled out of playing his first NHL game due to a coaching decision.

“I slept about four hours, and that’s pretty much it,” he said, beaming. “But I look like I slept all night. I’m just really happy to be here.”

Head coach André Tourigny believes that Lamoureux can still contribute a lot to the club despite his young age. He praised the young defenseman's size (he's 6-foot-3), his skating ability and how he moves the puck.

As for Lamoureux, he said he wants to keep things simple — make quick passes, jump in on rush attempts and be strong in the defensive zone. In the end, he just wants to show the Utah coaches that they can trust him.

There is no concrete plan for Lamoureux yet. Is this a short-term call-up or will his play force Utah to keep him? Time will tell; But for now, Tourigny wants him to embrace the experience.

“I want him to enjoy the day,” Tourigny said. “There’s a chance to play your first game in the NHL; This will never happen again, so we’ll see what the decision is.”

Lamoureux, however, can't help but imagine this moment, even if he's unsure when – or if – it will come.

“It’s definitely like a dream come true,” he said. “I probably won't sleep much at night and my nap probably won't last long either. I'll probably be a little stressed too, but when I step on the ice for the first time… I'll just be happy to put on this jersey and play for Utah.