Utah Hockey Club’s Sean Durzi Set for Surgery, Expected to Miss 4-5 Months

The Utah Hockey Club has been dealt an unfortunate blow early in the 2024-25 season as defenseman Sean Durzi is set to undergo surgery, sidelining him for the next 4-5 months. Durzi, who has been a key part of Utah’s strong start, will be missed not only for his production but also for his leadership and presence on the ice. The 25-year-old defenseman had registered two assists in the first four games, logging an average of 21:28 time on ice per game (TOI/G). Despite this setback, the Utah Hockey Club is off to a fantastic start with a 3-1-1 record, currently sitting second in the Central Division. They’ll now rely on depth players, including Michael Kesselring and Vladislav Kolyachonok, to fill the void left by Durzi’s absence. These two defensemen will be tasked with stepping up in a critical stretch for the team, and there’s reason to believe they can rise to the occasion.

Durzi’s Impact and the Challenge Ahead

Durzi has been a consistent two-way defender for Utah, contributing to both ends of the ice. His ability to transition the puck, quarterback the power play, and provide stability in the defensive zone will be sorely missed. In just four games this season, Durzi tallied two assists, but his impact went beyond the scoresheet—his average TOI of 21:28 highlighted the trust the coaching staff placed in him to handle heavy minutes in key situations.

His absence leaves a significant hole on Utah’s blue line, but this is also an opportunity for other players to elevate their game. Head coach Andre Tourigny will now look to his defensive depth, particularly Kesselring and Kolyachonok, to step up and contribute more minutes and responsibility.

Ready to Step Up

Kesselring, a 24-year-old defenseman, has shown promise in his career thus far. Standing at 6’4” and possessing strong skating ability, Kesselring has the physical tools to handle the increased workload. While he may not have Durzi’s offensive flair, his defensive reliability and ability to play a simple, effective game make him a suitable candidate to eat up more minutes. Kesselring’s size allows him to effectively clear the front of the net and play a more physical style, which will be crucial as Utah faces tougher competition in the coming months.

Additionally, Vladislav Kolyachonok, a 23-year-old Belarusian defenseman, has the chance to make a significant impact. Kolyachonok is known for his smooth skating and ability to move the puck up ice, qualities that will be essential in helping to replace some of the mobility Utah will miss with Durzi sidelined. He’s also a player with potential offensive upside, and this could be his opportunity to showcase more of that side of his game. Kolyachonok has had flashes of strong play in the past, and now he’ll have the chance to prove he can handle top-four minutes.

Both Kesselring and Kolyachonok have demonstrated the ability to perform at the professional level, but they’ll need to be consistent and resilient as the team navigates the difficult months ahead. Utah’s coaching staff will likely look to lean on a committee approach to replace Durzi’s minutes, meaning other defensemen such as Ian Cole or Robert Bortuzzo could also see increased roles.

Maintaining Momentum in a Competitive Division

The Utah Hockey Club has been a surprise team in the early part of the season, and their success can be attributed to a balanced effort across the lineup. Despite losing Durzi, they have a foundation of strong team defense and solid goaltending that should allow them to stay competitive. Head coach Tourigny’s system emphasizes structure and responsibility, and while the loss of Durzi will hurt, the team’s commitment to defense-first hockey should allow them to weather the storm.

Sitting second in the Central Division with a 3-1-1 record, Utah has proven they have the capability to hang with some of the league’s top teams. Their forward group, led by standout performances from players like captain Clayton Keller, sophomore Dylan Guenther and veteran leaders, will need to continue producing at a high level. If Utah can continue to find scoring depth from their forwards, it will take some of the pressure off the defense as they adjust to life without Durzi.

Final Thoughts

The next few months will be a test for Utah, but there is hope. If the rest of the defense can step up, and if the team continues to play disciplined, structured hockey, they should remain in the hunt for a playoff spot by the time Durzi returns. Durzi’s recovery will be closely monitored, but his surgery will also give him the time he needs to fully heal and return at full strength later in the season.

In the meantime, the Utah Hockey Club will need to rally together, leaning on their depth and resilience as they face the challenges ahead. The early success of the season provides a strong foundation to build upon, and while losing a key player like Durzi is never easy, the team’s depth and determination will be crucial in maintaining their momentum.

For now, the team will focus on continuing to build their success and hoping that Durzi’s recovery goes smoothly. If all goes according to plan, he could rejoin the lineup just in time for a potential playoff push, giving Utah an added boost when they’ll need it most.