SALT LAKE CITY \u2014 When the Utah Mammoth hosted the Seattle Kraken, they didn\u2019t just put on a hockey game. They rolled out the red carpet for the next generation of fans during their annual \u201cNext Gen Game.\u201d<\/p>\n
From riding Zambonis to announcing over the public address system, young fans were treated to behind-the-scenes experiences that brought them closer to the sport they love. Some even joined the television broadcast team to deliver coverage worthy of the pros.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was the second annual Next Gen game for the Utah Mammoth,\u201d said Mammoth TV studio host Kim Becker. \u201cLast year, we didn\u2019t have a kid join us for our pregame coverage on ‘Hockey Night in Utah,’ and I was so sad.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s spotlight went to Parker Whitney, a young hockey enthusiast from Springville. Whitney joined Becker and studio analyst Nick Olczyk for the pregame festivities and made an immediate impression.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy whole life I\u2019ve been rooting for this,\u201d Whitney said after making his on-air debut. \u201cI think it\u2019s a great opportunity and just really fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Becker couldn\u2019t agree more. \u201cHe was a natural,\u201d she said with a laugh. \u201cI swear he was better than Nick and me, so he might be coming for our jobs!\u201d<\/p>\n
Whitney brought energy, humor, and some tough questions to the broadcast, adding what he called a touch of \u201ccomedy\u201d to the show. He also took advice from his new TV teammates to heart: “Take deep breaths, you\u2019ve got this.”<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was all in on this opportunity the Utah Mammoth gave him to be part of the Next Gen game,\u201d Becker said. \u201cIt was just so awesome to have him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whitney wasn\u2019t alone in wanting the chance. According to the team, more than 100 kids entered for an opportunity to serve in various roles throughout the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see how many kids wanted to be part of it is incredible,\u201d Becker said. \u201cThat\u2019s what we want \u2014 to inspire young kids with unique opportunities around the game and the organization.\u201d<\/p>\n