UTAH JAZZ
Jan 13, 2025, 2:59 PM | Updated: 3:00 pm
Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy (Credit: Brice Tucker, Deseret News)
(Credit: Brice Tucker, Deseret News)
BY
Utah Jazz Insider
SALT LAKE CITY – If you watch closely, it’s not uncommon to see Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy sitting on the glass at Utah Hockey Club home games this season.
When the Jazz have a night off, Hardy is often seated with team owner Ryan Smith, or joined by his team’s player rinkside to take in Utah’s newest professional team.
Related: Lauri Markkanen Dons Skates For Utah Hockey Club Debut
While coaches have been known to draw inspiration for how to lead their team by watching other sports, Hardy has taken a different approach with the Utah Hockey Club.
A special jersey for a special day, excited to be a part of it 🩵🖤#TakeNote | @utahhockeyclub pic.twitter.com/FN4JYKtiyS
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 8, 2024
“Honestly, I’m really unplugged in a good way,” Hardy said. “It’s fun to go cheer those guys on. I do not pretend to know the ins and outs of hockey.”
Members of the Utah Hockey Club have returned the favor, frequently manning the sidelines next to the Jazz bench in Smith’s seats during home games.
Just last week, Utah Hockey Club head coach André Tourigny took in a Jazz game courtside.
“Although I am learning from a coaching standpoint — I’ve spent a little bit of time with [coach] Bear — I don’t know enough about the tactical pieces,” Hardy said.
the jazz note looks good on you, coach 🎶
always love having the @utahhockeyclub fam in the house 💜#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/pzgihPAQSQ
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 10, 2025
When at home, the Jazz coach can be found watching NBA League Pass, monitoring what other teams around the league are doing, something he can’t do when he’s at Delta Center watching the NHL.
“Watching basketball is hard,” Hardy admitted. “I don’t care who’s playing, it’s just hard because you start analyzing it. That’s just how my brain’s wired. So going to a hockey club game is great.”
The hockey team is back in action at Delta Center on Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens. With the Jazz hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, don’t be surprised if you see Hardy sitting behind goal.
“Nights where we don’t have a game, it’s fun to go and just cheer for a team,” Hardy concluded.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
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