SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Hockey Club faces a significant blow to its defensive lineup as both Sean Durzi and John Marino will be sidelined for substantial periods following recent surgeries.

The organization disclosed that Durzi had a surgical procedure to address a right shoulder injury sustained in the team’s fourth match of the current season. His recovery is projected to keep him off the ice for approximately four to six months. Meanwhile, Marino has dealt with lower-back issues that prevented him from participating in training camp, leading to a surgical intervention. His anticipated return is expected in three to four months.

To fill the gap in their defense, the club has recalled Maveric Lamoureux, a first-round pick from 2022, from the Tucson team in the American Hockey League.

The Utah franchise, which was previously affiliated with the Arizona Coyotes before its relocation to Salt Lake City under new ownership, aims to break a playoff dry spell that has persisted since 2012, excluding the pandemic-extended postseason in 2020. It’s important to note that the NHL is currently treating the club as a new entity; the team’s historical records will apply solely to Arizona as a stipulation from the sale to the new ownership group.