#utah-mammoth

#utah-mammoth

The Utah Mammoth introduced their new mascot, Tusky, back on October 15 and the team was seemingly energized by their new prehistoric pal in more ways than one. A video played at Delta Center illustrated how the blue-haired anthropomorphic woolly mammoth was discovered in the permafrost of the Rocky Mountains. He was carefully excavated and brought to the Delta Center in an elaborate pre-game ceremony for the team's home opener against the Calgary Flames. Tusky then burst from the large block of ice he had been preserved in, to raucous applause.

The NHL technically considers the Utah Mammoth an "expansion team" even though for all intents and purposes they are the relocated Arizona Coyotes. So technically this "expansion team" is entering its second season. The last NHL expansion team the Seattle Kraken also made the playoffs in their second season. In 2022-2023 the Kraken finished with a record of 46-28-8 for 100 points. As their broadcasters said during the playoff clinching win they rose from the depths of the Pacific Division to the playoffs.

Last season Connor Ingram started the season off well with the new franchise in Utah, posting a .882 save percentage through his 22 games played while being on a tandem with Karel Vejmelka. Ingram would then play his last game on February 22, 2025. Without a lot of explanation, Ingram was then missing from action, with the Utah club calling up Jaxson Stauber to help Vejmelka take care of the net.