Mike Zeisberger, a staff writer for NHL.com, has been covering the NHL since 1999. Each Monday, he leverages his extensive network of hockey contacts for his weekly notes column, “Zizing ‘Em Up.”
TORONTO – Trevor Lewis acknowledges it will feel “surreal.”
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Kings forward will glance at his opponents and recognize the significance of the moment.
At 37 years old, he is a native of Salt Lake City and the sole Utah-born player in the NHL.
This will mark his first encounter against his hometown team in a regular-season matchup when the Utah Hockey Club faces the Kings at Crypto.com Arena (4 p.m. ET: Utah16, BSW, SN).
He admits it will be one of those “pinch-me-so-I-know-this-is-real” experiences.
“It surely will be,” Lewis stated during an exclusive interview with NHL.com. “Just looking across and seeing UTAH on their jerseys — it’s something I never imagined would happen when I was a kid playing hockey there.”
During his childhood in Salt Lake City, finding arenas was a challenge, as was locating other players.
“When I was growing up, rinks were scarce,” he noted. “Ice time was hard to come by.”
Moreover, there weren’t many kids to play alongside.
“We had about 10 or 12 guys we traveled with,” he reminisced. “We participated in tournaments in places like Dallas and California, and up to Wyoming, but the other teams were always more advanced. We definitely had our work cut out for us.
“However, competing against those stronger teams was beneficial for our development. We got ample ice time. It was enjoyable, and I was out there with kids I’d known my whole life, which was great.”
The landscape shifted dramatically with the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City.
“I had the fortune of attending several of the Olympic hockey games,” he said. “It truly motivated me.
“Afterward, suddenly there were more rinks. Now, when I return during the summer, there are increasingly more players in junior and college levels, which is fantastic. There are even gyms specifically for hockey players to train.”
Lewis was 14 when he experienced the Olympic hockey competition, where Canada clinched the gold medal for the first time in 50 years. Shortly after, he relocated to Colorado Springs to enhance his skills and face more advanced opponents, a decision he considers the best he ever made.
“The year before, a couple of my close friends moved there to play in Pike’s Peak, and they loved it,” he recalled. “It significantly paved my way to the NHL.”
A first-round pick (No. 17) by Los Angeles in the 2006 NHL Draft, Lewis has played a total of 980 NHL games with the Kings, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets, amassing 227 points (99 goals, 128 assists) and winning the Stanley Cup twice with Los Angeles in 2012 and 2014.
He had a brief opportunity to play for the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) during the 2012-13 season, recording nine points (three goals, six assists) in six games.
Today, he observes that kids no longer need to leave Utah to play and grow as athletes. It’s a remarkable shift.
“I return every summer,” he explained. “Now you enter the gym, and there are 30 kids training for hockey. Many more are coming up through the minor hockey system.
“It’s incredible to see how it has evolved compared to my childhood when there were only two or three kids. And the presence of an NHL team there will only enhance this growth.
“It has certainly expanded significantly.”
All these reflections, he said, will occupy his thoughts when he sees that UTAH jersey facing him.
“Just cool,” he remarked, smiling broadly. “Very cool.”
Trevor Lewis Set for Emotional Showdown: NHL’s Only Utah-Born Player Faces Hometown Team
In an upcoming matchup that has the sports world buzzing, NHL forward Trevor Lewis, the only player born in Utah currently in the league, is set to face his hometown team, the Utah-based Utah Grizzlies. This emotional showdown not only highlights Lewis’s remarkable journey but also emphasizes the growing presence of hockey in the state of Utah. Let’s dive into the details surrounding this high-stakes game, as well as the significance of Trevor Lewis’s career and his deep ties to the local community.
The Rise of Trevor Lewis
Trevor Lewis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up playing hockey in a region traditionally dominated by sports like basketball and football. His journey from a local rink to becoming an NHL player is nothing short of inspiring. Here are some key milestones in Lewis’s career:
- Early Years: Lewis started playing ice hockey at a young age and quickly showcased his talent.
- Junior Hockey: After excelling in local leagues, he moved on to play for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL.
- NCAA Success: Lewis played for the University of Denver, where he helped lead the team to an NCAA championship.
- NHL Debut: He made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings in 2010.
- Stanley Cup Champion: Lewis was part of the Kings team that won the Stanley Cup in both 2012 and 2014.
Hockey’s Growing Popularity in Utah
Utah’s hockey scene has experienced significant growth in recent years. Here are some factors contributing to this phenomenon:
- Local Teams: The Utah Grizzlies, an ECHL team, have fostered local talent and increased interest in hockey.
- Youth Programs: Numerous youth hockey programs and leagues have emerged, encouraging grassroots participation.
- Increased Visibility: The presence of NHL players like Trevor Lewis has put Utah on the hockey map, inspiring young athletes.
Emotional Ties: Trevor Lewis and His Hometown
For Trevor Lewis, facing his hometown team will be an emotional experience. Here are some reflections he has shared in past interviews:
“It’s always special to play in front of family and friends. It brings back memories of where I started and how far I’ve come.”
Lewis’s connection to Utah runs deep. He credits his early days in local rinks for shaping his passion for the game. The opportunity to play against the Grizzlies, a team that represents his roots, adds another layer of meaning to this matchup.
Game-Day Preview
Matchup Overview
As fans gear up for this highly anticipated game, here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
| Team | Record | Key Players | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Kings | 25-15-4 | Trevor Lewis, Anze Kopitar | Kings 4 – Grizzlies 2 |
| Utah Grizzlies | 22-18-4 | Hunter Skinner, Cole Schneider | Grizzlies 2 – Kings 4 |
Factors to Watch
- Performance: Look for Lewis to elevate his game during this emotional encounter.
- Fan Engagement: Expect a vibrant atmosphere as both teams’ fan bases rally to support their players.
- Local Impact: The game may inspire local youth to pursue hockey more seriously.
Benefits of Hockey’s Growth in Utah
The increasing popularity of hockey in Utah offers several benefits:
- Cultural Diversity: Hockey introduces new cultural elements to the local sports scene.
- Economic Boost: Increased attendance at games can lead to greater revenue for local businesses.
- Health and Fitness: More youth participating in hockey promotes physical fitness and teamwork skills.
Firsthand Experience: Local Players Share Their Stories
Many local players have been inspired by Trevor Lewis’s success. Here’s what some of them have to say:
“Seeing someone from Utah make it to the NHL makes my dreams feel attainable. Trevor is a role model for us all!” – Jake, youth hockey player
“Playing against Trevor will be surreal. He’s proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.” - Emily, local high school player
Conclusion
As Trevor Lewis prepares for this emotional showdown against the Utah Grizzlies, the significance of this matchup extends beyond the ice. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, local pride, and the undeniable growth of hockey in Utah. With the support of the community and the dedication of local players, the future of hockey in this state looks brighter than ever.
