NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Through 14 seasons with 16 different teams between the NHL and AHL, one thing that has never wavered for Utah Mammoth forward Andrew Agozzino is his love and dedication to the game.
While it may not be the most traditional path in pro hockey, nor the most ideal, Agozzino has grown a deep appreciation for his journey and is currently focused on utilizing his experience to make the most of his time with the Mammoth.
🤩 Opening Night Roster 🤩 pic.twitter.com/LDuvpXKczs
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 6, 2025
Andrew Agozzino’s pro hockey journey in the AHL & NHL
After going undrafted, Agozzino’s professional career began back in 2012 when he signed a one-year AHL contract with the Lake Erie Monsters.
Originally establishing himself on the Monster’s checking line, Agozzino quickly became one of their top goal scorers, eventually earning himself a spot in the AHL’s All-Star game that same season.
For his efforts, the young forward quickly drew the attention of the Colorado Avalanche who then rewarded him with a two-year entry-level contract.
This would mark the beginning of a truly unique hockey journey that required both love and resilience.
“Pretty crazy to be honest with you,” Andrew Agozzino said of his career.
“I love the game. I love hockey. Theres not too many things you can do in life that you enjoy and that you get paid to do…it’s always been fun for me and everything that comes with it is kind of a bonus…I enjoy trying to show my kids that there’s stuff to strive for and dreams to chase.”
Following his initial debut for the Avs, Agozzino would then play for 14 different squads over the course of 12 seasons.
While he spent most of his time in the AHL, he did receive a few NHL assignments with the Avalanche, Penguins, Ducks, Senators and Sharks.
However, as the last player cut seven times through a collection of different NHL training camps, Agozzino learned to master resilience as he’d simply put his head down and go back to work in pursuit of his dreams.
“Growing up, my parents taught me some resilience, and I think through my career I’ve been able to show that through a lot of different points and getting back to the NHL after years off,” Agozzino told KSL Sports.
“For me, I’ve just always enjoyed the process of trying to get to the highest level and it’s still there.”
Cracking the Mammoth’s opening night roster was a unique & special accomplishment for Agozzino
While every young skater dreams of seeing their name on an NHL team’s opening night roster, very few, if any at all can say their first was at the age of 34.
Despite years of rejection and consistently coming up just short, Agozzino remained committed to his dream as he battled through the Mammoth’s highly competitive training camp.
With injuries to Barrett Hayton, Liam O’Brien and Alexander Kerfoot, a collection of different players fought relentlessly for a spot, but it was Agozzino who finally heard his name called.
Related: Utah Mammoth Announce Opening Night Roster
“It’s the first time I’ve been on the opening night roster. I’ve been the final cut seven times on the last waiver day,” He explained.
“To see that you made the team on opening night, it’s special to be able to call your parents and tell them, and the excitement they still have even though they’ve watched hundreds and hundreds of games.”
Game 1 on deck 🔜 pic.twitter.com/5mcnlxIIbm
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 10, 2025
For Utah, the 34-year-old’s experience and contributions have been incredibly valuable as he was a force in the preseason and has continued to make a difference.
“He’s been amazing,” Head coach Andre Tourigny said of Agozzino.” Again, last game, he was super reliable and did everything he had to do. He made good plays with the puck… really happy about his play right now.”
So, while he may not have all the glory that goes into a 14-year career in professional sports, that’s not what matters to No. 36.
What counts is that he does what loves every day, has accomplished many of his dream and he’s the perfect example of relentlessly pursuing your dreams.
Not everybody is going to be as gifted or talented as a Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, etc.
But anyone can put their head down and go to work until they accomplish what they set out to do, just like Agozzino.
“If you enjoy something and it gets you out of bed in the morning, gets you excited, I think it’s worth pursuing and worth chasing,” He explained.
“For me, there’s only a certain amount of things you can do in life that you really, truly enjoy and I am able to do one. I’m very lucky and I would say if it excites you, go do it.”
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will continue their opening road trip against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night at 6 p.m. MT.
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.
Take us with you, wherever you go.
