The Utah Hockey Club was getting deals done Monday — and getting it done in Park City. 

The club held a press conference to announce the signing of star defenseman Sean Durzi in the afternoon at Hotel Park City. 

Joining Durzi were head coach André Tourigny and general manager Bill Armstrong at the podium to talk his signing, the team’s roster and outlook. 

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Durzi joined the Arizona Coyotes last season after spending the first two years of his career in Los Angeles. The Canadian turned in a career-high year, providing 41 points and 63 power play minutes. Durzi led the defense in shooting, scoring and blocked shots. 

Durzi is only 25 years old. 

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“There’s a lot of reasons,” said Tourigny on the signing. “One thing that stands out for me is this competitiveness. He’s the willing to do the dirty work.”

Tourigny said Durzi is a high-character, hard-working player. Tourigny has coached the team, formerly of Arizona, since 2021. 

Durzi agreed with a reporter that part of his trademark toughness comes from the Kings. He said that team’s veterans helped guide him along on and off the ice from 2021-23. 

Armstrong said adding some defensemen was a priority for the team this offseason. In addition to Durzi, Utah traded for experienced stars Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino over the weekend, during the NHL Draft.

Armstrong and Durzi hope the new additions and existing camaraderie will help the team take another jump. They haven’t made a postseason since 2020 but have won more points each of the last two seasons. 

“We’ve had just the flashes of what I want to say greatness is,” said Durzi on last year’s team. “With the additions, and having some familiarity with coaches and staff, I’m fairly confident that we take a step in the right direction. It’s exciting for myself, a player who wants to win.”

Durzi knows the playoff experience Sergachev and Marino will bring to the locker room will be just as important as their game on the ice. Sargachev won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. 

Durzi wants to give the Utah fans a winning team, and one that contends for the playoffs, immediately. He said it’s been incredibly to see ownership commitment and fan interest thus far. 

Durzi and Armstrong want to give back and help inspire kids across the state.

“These guys are professional athletes, coolest players, best players in the world. You want to be them one day,” said Durzi on inspiring the next generation. “Being in the community, inspiring young kids, inspiring people as whole, just to strive for greatness is really important.”

Tourigny understands the team will be making their first impressions and history this season. The team knows how long Utah has desired an NHL team. 

“The most important part is not just going through the motions, but learning from them,” said Durzi. “Playing meaningful games down the stretch will help us through that process, will get us to that championship eventually. It starts from learning, and everybody gets better every day.”