Peter Laviolette Recounts Time In Utah As A Player Over Twenty Years Ago

Before Peter Laviolette became a coach, he was actually a player.

He played multiple seasons in the International Hockey League and American Hockey League while even suited up as a member of the New York Rangers for 12 games.

The Rangers are set to play the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night for the first time and it’s personal for Laviolette.

The 60-year-old coach revealed that it has been over 20 years since he was last in Utah. Laviolette used to visit Utah all the time back when he was playing for the Denver Rangers of the IHL in 1988-99.

“I haven't been here since maybe 1990,” Laviolette said. “I used to play for the Dever Rangers and The Salt Lake Golden Eagles played in the Salt Palace. God, we must have played them 25 times.”

Despite playing in Salt Lake City numerous times, Laviolette admitted that he does not really remember anything about the city.

“I can’t remember a thing from 1990,” Laviolette said. “I can’t remember a building… I can't remember a thing.”

There is some anticipation as the Rangers are set to play at the Delta Center.

“I haven't seen the arena, I haven't seen the place,” Laviolette said. “I think everybody is excited to come in here.”

Laviolette’s hockey journey started long before his coaching career and we got a little glimpse of what life was like during his playing days.