The Delta Center is going to look mighty empty real soon.
Utah’s inaugural season isn’t over just yet, with the team having three road games remaining. But after a 4–3 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, its last home game of the season, fans will have to wait months before they can chant 'Veggie,' the nickname of team MVP Karel Vejmelka, once again.
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐕𝐏 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 11, 2025
Selected by his teammates for his contributions to our success on and off the ice. 🙌
Congratulations, Veggie! pic.twitter.com/sY1eonc7dm
"Yeah, it's getting crazy. I like to see that, and I can't wait to see that again next season," said Vejmelka. "It's a really cool feeling, especially on the ice, and I really feel that support. So like I said, I really appreciate it."
Despite the game ending in a loss, the vibe of the night remained celebratory during the award ceremony, with Utah owner Ryan Smith assuring fans that the organization was 'just getting started.'
Still, the crowd would have been buzzing even more if Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg hadn’t stolen the victory with his shootout goal, silencing the Utah home crowd.
Silky Mitts Forsberg 👑 pic.twitter.com/PN3e7BtKdi
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 11, 2025
With Utah’s Dylan Guenther, Clayton Keller, and Nick Schmaltz all unable to score against Nashville goalie Juuse Saros, Forsberg’s goal was all Nashville needed to cap off a hard fought game with a win.
And with no playoff berth on the table, there was no solace in Guenther, who unfortunately didn't get a "birthday present" from coach Andre Tourigny and the team, forcing overtime with his goal in the third period.
Birthday boy? Bubble boy? GUNNER SCORES! 🔥
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 11, 2025
Tie game, 3-3. pic.twitter.com/N9Yo9FWNnM
Utah certainly would have liked to leave its home fans with a win, especially after a thrilling shootout, but there will be plenty more home games to come for this team
There will be more antics from fans to go along with the broccoli throwing and various vegetable headwear. There will be more Liam O'Brien impersonators and hopefully more memorable moments from
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