September 18, 2021
Salt Lake City, Utah
The University of Utah Men’s Division 2 season is officially underway as they face the BYU Cougars tonight at the Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah. The Skatin’ Utes and BYU have developed a historic and fierce rivalry on the ice which consistently results in great matchups. The Utes are looking to defend their 33 game win streak against the Cougars tonight.
Following the approval from the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the Skatin’ Utes announced their return to Divison 2 in April 2021. Previously, the M2 program played in the PAC-8 Hockey Conference from 2011-16 and earned the title of 2013, 2015, and 2016 PAC-8 Champions. The Utes then moved to Division 1 in 2016 and were recently admitted to the Western Collegiate Hockey League.
The addition of the Division 2 team provides more opportunity for student-athletes, and expanding the sport in Utah. The front office had a busy off season and welcomed 25 new elite Division 2 recruits this off-season. Fresh off an intense and successful training camp last month in McCall, Idaho, the Skatin’ Utes are eager to hit the ice.
Utah M2 also has a brand new coaching staff this season. Former Ute Nick Fornelius was named Head Coach in July of the Division 2 program. Joining Coach Fornelius is Assistant Coach David Barnes, Defensive Coach Tyler Pendill, Skills Coach Cody West, and M2 General Manager Taylor Nickels.
Brigham Young University also welcomed new players to their program, and following their recent wins over Utah State and Utah Valley University, they are looking to take some momentum and home rink advantage to this rivalry match against the Utes.
Despite the excitement surrounding the rivalry, the 2021-2022 season will likely serve as the Cougars last opportunity to face off against the University of Utah. Brigham Young University recently announced they do not intend to renew the contract allowing the team to be affiliated with the University.
The highly anticipated matchup will take place at Peaks Ice Arena, located at 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd, Provo, UT 84606, at 7:00 p.m. MST.
Highlights from the 2021 Utah Hockey Training Camp are below:
