Utah Hockey Club breaks ground on new practice facility [Video]

SANDY, Utah — The Utah Hockey Club broke ground on its future practice facility on Monday.

A small crowd of 100 people gathered in front of a building on the south side of The Shops at South Town. It once held Macy’s Department Store.

Over the next year, it will be transformed to accommodate Utah’s NHL team. When the team isn’t using it, the public will be invited in.

“When our guys are off the ice, the community is going to be on the ice,” said Ryan Smith, the owner of the team.

Community “gears up” in excitement for Utah Hockey Club

According to Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, many people have expressed excitement about the team.

“People are literally gearing up,” said Zoltanski. “We can’t wait to have the practice time on the ice or figure skating and hockey … youth leagues.”

The company is working to have the facility ready for the team by the start of next season.