The Utah Mammoth will host the Vegas Golden Knights for the franchise’s first-ever home playoff game at the Delta Center on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Western Conference First Round series is currently tied 1-1 after Utah secured a disciplined Game 2 victory in Las Vegas.
Vegas initially took the lead in the best-of-seven series with a 4-2 win in Game 1, fueled by their veteran core. However, Utah neutralized the Golden Knights’ top line in the second meeting to reset the series as it shifts to Salt Lake City, according to nhl.com and sports.yahoo.com.
To celebrate the milestone, the Mammoth organization announced a jersey exchange program on the SeatGeek Plaza. Fans can trade any official Golden Knights jersey for a new 2025-26 Mammoth home jersey at no cost starting at 12 p.m. MT on Friday.
The transition to Utah began on April 18, 2024, when the NHL Board of Governors approved the relocation of Arizona’s hockey assets. Team owners Ryan and Ashley Smith reflected on the rapid growth of the local fan base since the team arrived in the state.
“It’s been incredible to see the way Utah has embraced this team from Day 1,” said Ryan and Ashley Smith, Owners of the Utah Mammoth.
Following the move from Arizona, players were greeted by hundreds of youth hockey players at the airport. Center Clayton Keller recalled the emotional impact of the welcome ceremony held upon their arrival in Salt Lake City.
“Stepping off the plane was unbelievable,” said Clayton Keller, Center for the Utah Mammoth.
General manager Bill Armstrong emphasized his goals for the home environment during the team’s initial introduction to the public. He challenged the crowd to transform the Delta Center into a premier NHL venue.
“We’re so looking forward to this being the loudest building in the NHL,” said Bill Armstrong, General Manager.
Head coach Andre Tourigny also addressed the fans during the welcoming events. He expressed his anticipation for the upcoming season and the support of the local community.
“We cannot wait to feed off your energy next year,” said Andre Tourigny, Coach.
The team played its inaugural season as the Utah Hockey Club before adopting the Mammoth branding this year. Defenseman Ian Cole remembered the atmosphere of the first-ever game in Utah, which ended in a 5-2 victory over Chicago.
“The one moment that sticks to the top of my head is that opener, when we scored that first goal,” said Ian Cole, Defenseman.
He noted that the enthusiasm remained high despite the arena’s temporary seating configurations during the first year of operations.
“A lot of people were unsure what to expect, what it’s going to be like, and then we score first, and it’s just, like, mayhem. Even with all the obstructed seats and everything, people would pack the barn,” Cole added.
Recent renovations have improved the hockey experience at the Delta Center, creating steeper stands in the lower bowl. Mikhail Sergachev noted the proximity of the fans to the playing surface in the updated arena.
“It feels so close, and it’s amazing,” said Mikhail Sergachev, Defenseman.
As the team fought for the first wild-card spot, players noticed the increasing intensity of the local support. Keller observed that the fans were highly attuned to the team’s position in the standings during the final stretch of the season.
“You could just feel the excitement coming down the stretch from the fans during the game,” said Clayton Keller, Center.
He added that the community’s engagement was evident as the team neared its first postseason appearance.
“They were involved. They kind of knew where we were at in the standings,” Keller concluded.