SALT LAKE CITY – Despite a valiant comeback effort and a decent overall performance, the young Utah Mammoth prospects made a few critical mistakes late in a 5-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s first rookie showcase matchup of 2025.
Related: Three Takeaways From Day Two Of Utah Mammoth Rookie Camp
The Avalanche dominated Utah physically right out of the gate
From the moment the puck dropped in Colorado, all bets were off as the Avalanche came out flying and forced Utah into submission.
Whenever the Mammoth had the puck, the Avalanche quickly closed in, finished every check and ever so kindly opened up some space on their own bench for Utah to take a seat.
Geez 😅 https://t.co/xHrsDixziN
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
This effectively threw Utah off their game as they struggled to even get out of their own zone and offense was scarce throughout the majority of the first period.
Colorado on the board first.
Suffocating forecheck by the Avalanche leads to a quick pass right in front which gets buried.
1-0 Colorado with 7:15 left in the first.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
While they did fight back and eventually captured a 3-2 lead late in the third, that initial 20 minutes was a major setback and eventually contributed to the disappointing and somewhat sudden 5-3 loss.
Top Utah Mammoth prospects showed glimpses of brilliance against the Colorado Avalanche
While it may not have been a reoccurring highlight reel from the top Utah Mammoth prosects in their opening showcase game against Colorado, there were still a few glimpses of brilliance that shed light on each of their unique skillsets.
First of all, rookie captain Maveric Lamoureux showed why he’s arguably the most NHL ready prospect of the bunch, and why wouldn’t he be?
After 15 games with the big club last season, the young defenseman got his first taste of the NHL as he drank straight from the fire hose.
A year later and 15 pounds heavier, Lamoureux demonstrated his determination to push for a roster spot as he was visibly assertive in the offensive zone.
Lamoureux has certainly been assertive offensively tonight.
Already has an assist and then just recently stepped up to the high slot after a nice head fake to fire one on net.
Good stuff from the Captain.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
In addition to a first period helper to bring the Mammoth within one after trailing by two goals early on, Lamoureux continued to stay involved.
Great assist from Mav here.
Utah was struggling to create offense and he’d clearly had enough as he stepped up and delivered a dangerous pass for Lipkin to finish.pic.twitter.com/HZuDtQ8mdL
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
He moved the puck, mostly made good decisions, pinched a few times and even pulled a crisp head fake to get a dangerous shot on goal.
Was he caught twice trying to do a little too much and made a mistake that led to a critical Avalanche goal late in the third?
Yup.
But that’s ok.
He needs to be aggressive, and this is perfect setting for him to figure out how to become more effective.
As for Tij Iginla, his offensive talent and confidence were on display as he settled into his game more in the later periods.
During the first Mammoth power play in the second, Iginla was busy working the zone as he dangled his way through defensemen, demonstrated great patience and directed some traffic.
Some individual brilliance from Iginla during the first Utah PP of the night.
Great zone entry and dangled his way through two defensemen to get to the net.
Couldn’t finish but that’s what makes him so dangerous.
Fast and highly skilled.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
Unfortunately, No. 12 was unable to find the back of the net, but it was visibly apparent that he’s able to process the game incredibly fast and utilize his smooth hands to make things happen.
Meanwhile, Beaudoin was his usual aggressive self as he outhustled the opposition, battled for every inch of ice and generated some dangerous opportunities in close.
Before the Avs penalty, Beaudoin demonstrated what he does best as he turned on the afterburners to put pressure on the defense, battled relentlessly in the corner, generated a turnover, and gave his team a chance to create offense.
That’s his game.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
A good start, but a lot more work to be done for these young prospects over the coming weeks, especially if they want to push for a spot.
A wild finish and several mistakes resulted in a somewhat shocking loss for the young Mammoth
After the initial surge from the Colorado Avalanche through the first period, it was all Utah for most of the remaining two frames as they calmed down, settled into their game and controlled the tempo.
Following three unanswered goals of their own, the Mammoth established a 3-2 lead with just a few minutes to go in the third period, and they appeared to be in full control.
Great assist from Mav here.
Utah was struggling to create offense and he’d clearly had enough as he stepped up and delivered a dangerous pass for Lipkin to finish.pic.twitter.com/HZuDtQ8mdL
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
Great body control and what a shot. https://t.co/zVbtQVfC3N
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
However, Colorado wasn’t willing to just roll over as they responded with another similar surge of physicality and intensity that resulted in two goals in 30 seconds to retake the lead 4-3 with 2:14 remaining.
How’d it happen?
As the Avalanche went on offensive and reignited their physical dominance, Utah made some critical mistakes.
Lamoureux went for a touchdown pass that got intercepted in the neutral zone on the first and then Sam Lipkin got caught sleeping on the second.
Small mistakes with sizable consequences.
Empty netter by the Avalanche and that will do it.
3P: 0:10
Colorado 5
Utah 3
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 13, 2025
Luckily, it’s all part of the learning process and they’ll have a chance to redeem themselves against Vegas tomorrow.
But, for the few top prospects hoping to push for a roster spot, they’ll need to better as they navigate the coming weeks.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth prospects will remain in Colorado to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at 3 pm MT.
The game will be available via streaming.
Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
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