SALT LAKE CITY – Home for the first time this preseason, the Utah Mammoth were finally able to snatch a victory as they fed off the energy of the newly renovated Delta Center and played as a collective unit.
Behind a standout performance from netminder Vitek Vanecek with contributions from each skater throughout the lineup, the Mammoth defeated Los Angeles 2-1 on Thursday night.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s first win of the preseason.
Utah played as a collective unit to claim their first preseason victory
After presenting their most talented roster of the preseason, the Utah Mammoth were finally able to claim a victory as the team played as a complete unit against the Kings.
Vanecek was impenetrable in net, the PK was perfect, defense was strong, team was physical and there was maturity to their game as they effectively protected a third period lead.
“I like the way we played on the PK. I like the way we’re matured at the end of the game. Obviously, there’s still some stuff to clean up, especially on our breakout. I felt our slot was a little bit too open, but for the rest, we’re happy,” Head coach Andre Tourigny explained.
As Tourigny noted, there’s still a few things for this team to clean up before the regular season kicks off next week.
However, as they inch closer to the games that actually matter, the progress is becoming visibly clear as the new faces continue to assert themselves and lift the team as the front office intended.
Get pucks on net and sometimes they just trickle in.
Another goal for the third line tonight and Crouse continues to shine. https://t.co/9DWFslc0jf
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 3, 2025
Stenlund is an underrated piece of the Utah Mammoth’s roster
You know who doesn’t get talked about enough on the Utah Mammoth’s roster?
Kevin Stenlund.
He’s not the flashiest player, doesn’t necessarily capture a lot of attention, but he’s sneaky good and is such a critical part of their team.
“He’s a guy who you can count on in a big moment,” Tourigny said.
“He was on the ice in game seven of the Stanley Cup when they were protecting a lead and were short a man. You play him against Kopitar all night long. He goes out there, and just produced, and he played really well defensively. He is a stabilizing force for us.”
Looking back at last season, one could easily look right past his stats.
14 points, 14 assists.
Really good, but nothing crazy right?
But digging just a little bit deeper, Stenlund’s impact begins to come to life.
For the 2024-25 NHL season, Stenlund finished fourth in the NHL in faceoff percentage (59%).
In addition to his specialty in the circle, he also played a critical role on Utah’s top PK unit and witnessed career-highs in both goals and assists.
You need players like that on your team.
Against the Kings, Stenlund showed exactly why as he not only opened the scoring with a nice little redirect, but he was a major factor during each of Utah’s PK’s as he won faceoffs, clogged passing lanes and helped them remain a perfect 3/3.
Sneaky little redirect from Stenlund with apples for Crouse & Yamamoto. https://t.co/c7T45UFMKV
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 3, 2025
Not every player is going to blow up the scoresheet.
But having specialists like Stenlund can sometimes be the difference between winning and losing games.
“I think, ever since we brought Stenny, he’s been an impactful player for our group,” Lawson Crouse said.
“It seems no matter what he’s doing, he’s doing it well. Like you said, he’s a force in the face off dot, and he’s reliable all over the ice.”
Vitek Vanecek was simply superb as Utah’s MVP against LA
Following the recent departure of Connor Ingram via trade, there’s a now a Czech goalie tandem in Salt Lake City.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup Championship in Florida, Vitek Vanecek signed with the Mammoth in free agency to bolster Utah’s goaltending and backup Karel Vejmelka.
So far, that appears to have been a great addition as Vanecek was an impenetrable wall with 32 saves on 33 shots against the Kings on Thursday night.
Playing with more of an aggressive approach, Vanecek was superb between the pipes as he made a few flashy saves, utilized his stick incredibly well and was the MVP of a 5-on-3 and 5-on-4 PK.
“I think Vanny (Vítek Vaněček) is proving that he is a good goalie,” Tourigny said.
“He’s a Stanley Cup champion, but he’s also been a starter in the league, so he has experience in the league, and he showed tonight what he can do.”
Impressive save.
Didn’t give the shooter any room to operate.
I think Mammoth fans will come to appreciate Vanecek pretty quick. https://t.co/xW2NIhHR5u
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 3, 2025
Whereas Vejmelka plays more of a controlled and centered game in net, Vanecek is more aggressive.
He’s a little faster, makes quick reaction saves, seems to play a little bit higher in the crease and uses his stick to disrupt passes.
But for Vanecek, this season isn’t just about backing Vejmelka.
He fully intends on playing his very best and generating a healthy competition with Vejmelka for more minutes.
That’s good.
That eliminates complacency.
“I’m really, really excited,” Vanecek explained. “For the goalies, it’s about the winning. Hopefully, we’re both going to play well and win as many games as possible.
So, while it’s still early and there’s a lot of hockey to play, the early return seems promising for Vanecek after an MVP performance against Los Angeles.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
Training camp will take place from September 17 through October 4 at the new training facility in Sandy.
The Utah Mammoth will now conclude their preseason schedule as they host the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night at 6 p.m.
The game will be available on Mammoth+.
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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