Carbon County Mammoths: Utah’s Original Youth Hockey Team Before the NHL Arrived
Carbon County Mammoths, Utah’s original youth hockey team before the NHL arrived. When discussing the soul of community sports, one story that captures genuine passion and hope is that of the Carbon County Mammoths, a youth hockey team predating Utah’s NHL moment and the dream of turning frozen ponds into bustling arenas. This narrative is about more than just a sport. It’s about perseverance, community spirit, and the unyielding hope for expansion, especially when natural conditions cooperate. Imagine the thrill of seeing a small group of kids lace up skates and glide across outdoor ice on a chilly winter evening at the Carbon County Fairgrounds. These are not the professional NHL Utah Mammoth, but rather the locally beloved mammoths who have spent nearly 10 years honing their skills on outdoor surfaces, embodying what grassroots hockey is all about. Megan Marshall is one passionate advocate behind this initiative. Her motivation stems from her son’s childhood dream of playing hockey inspired by the Detroit Red Wings. But in Price, Utah, indoor rinks are a good hour and a half away in neighboring cities like Provo or Grand Junction, Colorado. So instead of waiting for the perfect facilities, she brought hockey right to their doorstep, literally to the local pond. Her efforts gave rise to a nonprofit youth hockey program aimed at providing affordable access to the sport with tagline-like simplicity, free equipment, volunteer coaches, and a community driven by shared enthusiasm. The foundation that made this possible is the Correbel Foundation led by Don Cor. This organization plays a vital role in making hockey accessible through donations, events, and training opportunities, helping kids experience the game without the heavy price tag typically associated with hockey gear and facilities. Choosing a name for the team was straightforward. Megan drew inspiration from Utah’s own dinosaur era giant, the famous Paleozoic mammoth skeleton displayed at Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price. She envisioned these young players as fierce, resilient creatures, fitting for an emblem that symbolizes strength and Arctic endurance. And their pride in their mascot paid off when the Utah NHL team announced its new branding as the Utah Mammoth. The local Mammoths team couldn’t hide their excitement. They openly celebrated the news on social media, feeling a deep connection, almost as if the professional team reflected their own community spirit. Megan Marshall passionately shared, “We felt like they recognized if our kids can grow up playing as tiny Carbon County Mammoths and someday turn pro as NHL mammoths, that would be incredible. This local enthusiasm is echoed by Nathaniel Christensen, a veteran coach and advocate who has been part of the team since the beginning. His journey from a childhood hockey player in Grand Junction, where rinks are commonplace, to witnessing the growth of his local program, highlights the transformative power of infrastructure. Christensen recalls how hockey, once a rarity, now boasts a thriving local scene. He marvels at the resilience of the kids playing on rough melting ponds. Their laughter echoing even as they tumble into dirt mounds or fall through thinning ice. An image that speaks volumes about their dedication and love for the game. Yet the reality remains that pond hockey is inherently unpredictable, limited to when nature cooperates, when the ice is solid, and when it melts away, marking the start and end of each season. For parents like Drew Pitcher, who comes from Canada, where indoor rinks are abundant, the challenges of accessibility are clear. He drives his young son Jack to Provo for organized lessons, but recognizes that not every family has that luxury. If skating opportunities were as accessible as junior sports programs like the Jazz, he suggests more local kids would be drawn into the sport. Big efforts are underway to grow youth hockey across Utah. The Utah Mammoth, owned by Smith Entertainment Group, has already engaged thousands of kids directly through beginner clinics, community outreach, and ticket programs, allowing youth to attend NHL games. Kristen Vis, the youth program director, emphasizes that their mission extends beyond just playing. It’s about lowering barriers, especially financial, that often prevent participation. Their summer mammoth week, a mobile fanfest traveling across the state, offers free street hockey and on ice clinics, further igniting interest. Supporting ongoing growth, the organization has pledged large donations up to half a million dollars per rink to help construct more facilities throughout Utah. For communities like Price, this could be transformative. Megan Marshall notes, “If we had a proper arena capable of hosting tournaments and attracting out of town teams, it would boost our economy, create new tourism opportunities, and most importantly, give our kids a real chance to pursue hockey at higher levels. So, for now, the Carbon County Mammoths will continue dreaming, crossing their fingers for consistent ice, and pouring energy into local programs that keep the sport alive. Meanwhile, they cheer for the NHL’s Utah Mammoth, whose name echoes their own aspirations. Because defining a future in hockey starts with believing it’s possible right in your own backyard. As Christensen says, it’s about inspiring kids to say, “I want to do that and maybe someday to actually do it.” But here’s where it gets controversial. Will enough support and infrastructure develop to turn these small pond dreams into a lasting legacy? Or will the natural constraints of climate and resources forever limit the sports reach in rural communities? That’s a question worth pondering and debating because the future of youth hockey in Utah might depend on it. Utah Mammoth introduces girls to ice hockey, inspiring the next generation. Imagine a world where young girls can lace up their skates and step onto the ice filled with excitement and joy. This is exactly what happened on a lively Wednesday at the Olympic Oval in Karns, Utah, where 250 girls and young women gathered to experience the thrill of ice hockey, many for the very first time. The enthusiasm among these young participants was palpable. Chelsea, a proud mother, shared her delight about her daughter, Delilah, who, despite being under 3 years old, has already mastered the art of tying her skates. She’s absolutely thrilled. She can hardly contain herself. She’s been eagerly talking about this for an entire week. Chelsea beamed. For some families, like Melissa and her four-year-old daughter, Luna, hockey is more than just a sport. It’s a cherished family tradition. Melissa, who grew up in New York City as a devoted Rangers fan, fondly recalls her own experiences of playing and watching hockey during her childhood. It’s incredibly exciting because opportunities for girls in hockey are still quite rare. It’s wonderful that she gets to share this experience with her mom and have some fun on the ice together. This fantastic event was organized by the Utah Mammoth, aiming to strengthen their ties within the community. Alex Kerfoot, a recent girl dad and assistant captain of the team, expressed his enthusiasm for the day’s activities. This is fantastic. My wife, daughter, and I have spent a lot of time in Salt Lake this summer, and we saw this as a perfect chance to give back to the community. The organization has really put a lot of effort into making this happen. Keroot emphasized the importance of the connections formed during this event, stating, “The relationships built today will last a lifetime. Being able to share the ice with these girls creates a special bond, and witnessing the growing interest in hockey among young girls in this area is truly rewarding. It’s a joy to be part of this movement. For Chelsea, the fact that this event was offered free of charge added to its appeal. This gives her a chance to explore something that many might not have the opportunity to try out. But here’s where it gets controversial. Are we doing enough to promote girls sports, or is there still a long way to go? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Utah Mammoth youth hockey camps growing the sport statewide. The Utah Mammoth are successfully pursuing their mission to introduce hockey to a wider audience of young players throughout the state. This week, they are hosting a youth camp in Riverdale, Weber County, as part of a series of camps that the team rotates through various cities all year long, aiming to teach children the fundamentals of the sport. During the street hockey clinic held on Tuesday in Riverdale, participants engaged in various hockey drills and had the opportunity to play against one another in real-time matches. This particular camp caters to students in grades 3 through six who pay a fee to participate. As part of the experience, each child receives a hockey stick and jersey along with tickets to attend a game. However, the Mammoth offer a variety of camp formats across the state. Some are free, others take place on ice. And in some cases, participants even get to keep all the necessary hockey gear, including pads and skates. A few young attendees shared their enthusiasm for the camp with KSL. I want to become an NHL player when I grow up, expressed Cohen Connelly, a participant at the Mammoth Street Hockey Clinic. Aiden Blackham, another camper, mentioned, “I’ve never attended a hockey camp before, but my brother plays hockey, so I thought I’d give it a shot and see if I enjoy it.” Oliver Blesset chimed in saying, “It was really fun. My mom told me about it, and it sounded exciting.” When KSL’s Brian Carlson asked one of the campers about their favorite aspect of playing, Scott Williams replied, “Scoring goals.” Carlson followed up with, “Oh, can you score?” “Yeah.” Williams confidently responded. These camps are available almost every week, stretching from Logan to St. George with the overarching goal of making hockey accessible to as many children as possible. Looking ahead, the next street hockey clinic is scheduled for next week in Lynen. If you’re interested in finding out when a camp will be in your area, you can visit the Utah Mammoth Youth website for more information.
00:00 – Carbon County Mammoths: Utah’s Original Youth Hockey Team Before the NHL Arrived
06:21 – Utah Mammoth Introduces Girls to Ice Hockey: Inspiring the Next Generation!
08:57 – Utah Mammoth Youth Hockey Camps: Growing the Sport Statewide
1. Carbon County Mammoths: Utah’s Original Youth Hockey Team Before the NHL Arrived
Discover the inspiring story of the Carbon County Mammoths, a grassroots youth hockey team in rural Utah that’s been skating on frozen ponds for nearly a decade. Founded by Megan Marshall, this nonprofit program brings hockey to kids who otherwise couldn’t access the sport, using donated equipment and volunteer coaches.
Learn how the team’s fierce Mammoth mascot (inspired by a local prehistoric fossil) became a symbol of pride—and how Utah’s new NHL team adopting the Mammoth name has fueled excitement. From unpredictable outdoor ice conditions to dreams of building a real rink, see how these young athletes persevere with passion.
Hear from coaches, parents, and players about their hopes for growth, the impact of NHL initiatives like Mammoth Week, and why community support could change the game for Utah’s next hockey stars.
2. Utah Mammoth Introduces Girls to Ice Hockey: Inspiring the Next Generation!
The Utah Mammoth hosted a free ice hockey event for 250 girls at the Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah! Many of these young ladies were experiencing the thrill of hockey for the very first time.
Hear from excited parents like Chelsea, whose daughter Delilah couldn’t wait to lace up her skates. Discover why this event is so important for families like Melissa’s, who see hockey as a cherished family tradition.
Utah Mammoth’s assistant captain, Alex Kerfoot, shares his passion for building community and fostering a love for hockey among young girls. See the smiles and hear the excitement as these girls discover the joy of ice hockey! This event highlights the growing opportunities for girls in hockey and the positive impact of community engagement.
3. Utah Mammoth Youth Hockey Camps: Growing the Sport Statewide
Discover how the Utah Mammoth are expanding youth hockey across Utah with their innovative camps.
From Riverdale to St. George, and Logan to Lindon, find out when a camp is coming to your town.
Hear from excited young players aiming for NHL dreams through the Utah Mammoth’s street hockey clinics.
Learn about the various camps, including free sessions, on-ice training, and full equipment giveaways.
Visit the Utah Mammoth Youth website for schedules and more: (Note: Do not include the link here as per the schema instructions, instead, provide it in the video’s external links section)
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