Utah Hockey Club gives Robert Bortuzzo a special moment to end the season

SALT LAKE CITY — Robert Bortuzzo took his time leaving the ice Tuesday night in St. Louis.

He shook hands with former teammates and glanced around the Enterprise Center, soaking in the moment.

He wasn't just savoring the final game of Utah's inaugural season, he may have been savoring his last time on NHL ice.

The veteran defenseman was a surprise inclusion to the lineup in Utah's final game of the year, a 6-1 loss to the Blues. He hadn't played for three months due to a lower-body injury that had appeared like it would prematurely end his year.

But his team gave him one more moment to remember.

With nothing left to play for but pride, and Bortuzzo healthy — or at least healthy enough — Utah gave him a chance for what could be a farewell appearance.

"Very thankful and grateful for the opportunity here that the organization kind of gave me to play," Burtuzzo said before the game. "It's been a hell of a ride. Not making any pronouncements or anything, but you know, just want to take it in stride and have some fun."

It wasn't an official retirement announcement, but at 36 years old and with his contract expiring, it wouldn't be a surprise if Tuesday marked the end of his NHL career.

And if it was, the setting couldn't have been more fitting. Bortuzzo spent 10 seasons in St. Louis and was part of the Blues' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2019.

"To come back here and get a chance to actually play in this building where we were able to accomplish a few fun things is truly special," Bortuzzo said.

His parents knew it would be, too.

That's why two days ago they hopped in their car and made the familiar 14-hour drive from his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, to be at the game.

"They wouldn't miss this one," he said, growing emotional. "They obviously kind of molded me into who I was today, and they sacrificed so much for me to get there."

He's thankful to his current team for letting him take the ice, maybe for the last time — a gesture he said reflects the kind of culture Utah has built in its first NHL season.

"I've played on some close-knit teams and this team is no different," Bortuzzo said. "Truly a strong brotherhood."

Bortuzzo also sees parallels between the early passion Utah has shown for its team and the love St. Louis fans have long had for the Blues. He was met with a hero's welcome on Tuesday, complete with a tribute video, a standing ovation, and even cheers when he fired off a few shots.

"It's a blue-collar town. They don't expect too much. They just want a team to lay it on the line," he said.

Many fans in Utah are the same, which is why the team was able to build a strong connection in such a short time in its new home.

"I think the city really appreciated what the guys did," he said of the first year in Utah. "Obviously, not the result we wanted as a team, but I think you could tell that those 23 guys in there want to lay it on the line for a long time to come."

So while the season ended in disappointing fashion — Utah was down 4-0 before the first period — that won't be what defines the team's first year in Salt Lake City.

"We won't let that game be the reflect of our season," André Tourigny said.

Instead, it will be remembered for Dylan Guenther's opening-season goal and his overtime heroics, for Clayton Keller's career-year (he reached 90 points with the lone Utah goal on Tuesday), for Logan Cooley's ascendance, for Mikhail Sergachev's leadership, and for a fan base that hopped on the ride and never let go.

"I'm really proud of our players, their attitude, their commitment all season long," Tourigny said. "They won't let that game put a shadow on our season."

But for one Utah player, it might be the game that is remembered the most.

Related topics