SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Less than 12 hours after the “de-icing” of the Utah Mammoth’s new mascot, Tusky made a special appearance on ARC Salt Lake.
The mascot made his debut by breaking out of “frozen” box at center ice of the Delta Center before Utah’s home debut in their second season.
Tusky’s debut was a surprise planned for the fans at the 2025-2026 season home opener.
“We were hoping and expecting that (the secret) wouldn’t leak – which was perfect because it didn’t,” said Lisa Nilchian, Mammoth vice president of marketing.
Nilchian brought Tusky to KUTV to share his backstory and talk about fans’ early reaction.
The team knew fans were expecting big surprises in Utah’s first game in front of a home crowd as the “Mammoth.” Fans may not have expected the new mascot to break out of a big block of “ice.”
“Fans came in expecting to see something (at the home opener). We had our Ice Cave in the ceiling – they thought that was it – and then we really blew the roof off the house with Tusky breaking out of the ice,” Nilchian said. “I think (he was) really well received, from what I can tell.”
She said it took over four months of planning and meetings to pull Tusky together. They had to come up with a design and name, working with mascot experts to get him just right.
“We have an incredible team who helped put together, not only the (design), the story, how we’re going to talk about Tusky,” Nilcian said. “We’re really excited to get to the home opener, and finally Tusky’s here – so we don’t have to hide anymore.”
Both Tusky and Jazz Bear have met, she said, with many more opportunities to see the two together.
As a hockey mascot, however, Tusky has to do something Jazz Bear does not – skate on ice.
“Absolutely, Tusky skates,” Nilchian said. “You can’t be in the NHL with a hockey team and not get on skates.”
Based on early fan reaction, the hockey club did well with the team’s mascot.
“(He’s been met with) absolute adoration. People love it. My kids got to meet Tusky and absolutely love it,” Nilchian said. “I think we’ve won (fans’) hearts over. I mean – kids, adults, everybody gave him a very warm reception.”
There were reports that some of the other mascots around the league threw shade at Utah’s new 6 foot 5 inch mammoth.
“He may not be making friends with all our other NHL mascot friends – there were some comments, but we see those as fighting words – so, you know – nothing we’re afraid of,” Nilchian said.
A hand signal and slogan have also been created to show support for the team.
“Part of what we’re building with Utah Mammoth – and it truly came from our fans – is this hashtag and our rallying cray – ‘Tusks Up,’” Nilchian said. “It was a natural fit for finding a name. It’s tricky to think about, what will we call the mascot – but Tusky works perfectly.”
She said Tusky will represent the team across the community and at special events.
“Tusky will be in many places. He’ll be in the All-Star Game when we get there,” Nilchian said. “I don’t know that Tusky’s going to the Olympics, but I don’t know – we haven’t planned that far ahead. We met Tusky yesterday we’ll take Tusky at least around Utah.”
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