Utah HC fans break out their shoeys in standout NHL debut

The Utah Hockey Club made its official debut on Tuesday as Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks came to town to open the NHL's newest team's inaugural campaign.

And I have to give credit to the Utah fans because they're in great shape midway through the season and look like they've been rooting for an NHL club for decades.

Utah battled the Blackhawks to a narrower 5-2 win than it looked on paper, and the Delta Center – including its obstructed view seats – was absolutely awesome from the ceremonial puck drop to the end of the game.

A sellout crowd of 11,131 — the Delta Center, the team's home barn, may be the smallest in the NHL, but still more than twice as many people as Mullett Arena, where the Arizona Coyotes spent their final two seasons.

We have to highlight a few fans who were so excited about the game that they decided to make some shoeys.

Just look at this. I wasn't sure what the beer situation was in Utah. I got the impression that they only drank sodas with pop rocks and gummy bears. Maybe these two guys are out of town, but these are some veterans.

These aren't the biggest shoes in the world, and the guy spilled most of his beer on himself, but it's the thought that counts.

“We could feel the energy and we’re just glad we could give them a game like that,” Dylan Guenther — who scored the team’s first goal — said after the game, according to Sportsnet.

I think Utah will prove to be a tough place. The fans are obviously wild, but the way the arena is laid out is kind of strange and can affect the opposing players' sense of where they are on the field.

Considering games at the Delta Center will be a first for most teams visiting this season, I wouldn't be shocked to see Utah post a solid home record.