High Intensity at Training Camp
The Utah Mammoth held their first on-ice practices on Thursday, Sept. 17, as the team began preparations for the 2026-27 NHL season. The sessions, which lasted one hour and 45 minutes each, marked the return to full-speed training following the offseason, as the roster works toward its first preseason game scheduled for Sunday.
Focus on Breakout Speed
The initial training camp sessions were characterized by physical play and high energy, according to reports from the team. Players were split into two distinct groups, Group A and Group B, to manage the large roster of 55 players. The roster includes 32 forwards, 18 defensemen, and five goaltenders, including 20 players who previously participated in the Mammoth's rookie camp.
During the first half of Group A's practice on Sept. 17, the focus remained heavily on offensive breakouts. Head coach André Tourigny emphasized that the team's primary objective is to generate speed during these transitions. While Tourigny noted that the breakouts do not always need to be aesthetically perfect, he stressed that the puck must move out of the zone quickly to allow the team to create speed underneath the play.
Tourigny indicated that the team's breakout systems will likely undergo the most significant changes this season. The coaching staff is currently experimenting with various line combinations and defensive pairings to capitalize on the roster's significant depth.
Veteran Leadership and Depth
The Mammoth enter the season with significant momentum following a successful campaign that saw them qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the first wild card from the Western Conference. The team finished last season with a balanced profile, scoring 3.27 goals per game and allowing 2.93 per game, both of which ranked 10th in the NHL.
To build on that success, the organization has focused on adding veteran leadership to a core of young talent. The team recently acquired forward Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers on July 1, a move made possible after Trocheck waived his no-trade clause. The team also signed veteran forward Anders Lee to a three-year, $16.2 million contract on July 1, following his 14-season tenure with the New York Islanders.
General Manager Bill Armstrong highlighted the importance of these acquisitions. Regarding Lee, Armstrong stated he was blown away by the ability to secure such a high-caliber captain. On Trocheck, Armstrong described him as an ultimate teammate and a "glue guy" who will do anything for his teammates.
Rising Stars and Prospects
A major focal point for the 2026-27 season involves the development of young stars and the battle for playing time. Forward Logan Cooley, who recorded 43 points last season despite being limited to 54 games due to a lower-body injury, is looking to reach the next level of performance. Cooley has recorded 152 points in 211 games since being selected third overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Trocheck, a fellow Pittsburgh native, expressed excitement about the opportunity to play alongside Cooley. Trocheck noted that he has watched Cooley grow into a spectacular player since the forward was 12 years old. The two players have spent the summer skating together in preparation for the upcoming season.
Other young players looking to make an impact include former first-round draft picks Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers. Iginla, the 2024 first-round pick, stated his goal for training camp is to show off his speed and shot, noting that he has focused on improving his strength over the summer. Desnoyers, a 2025 first-round pick, expressed a determination to show he is ready for the highest levels of play.
Goaltending and Defensive Depth
The goaltending situation remains a key storyline as the team enters training camp. The Mammoth acquired highly touted prospect Sebastian Cossa from the Detroit Red Wings on June 26 in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. Cossa has since signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the organization.
While Cossa is expected to compete for a roster spot, Karel Vejmelka is likely to begin the season as the primary starter. Vejmelka posted a 2.75 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage in 64 games last season. The competition between the veteran and the prospect could determine the team's defensive stability heading into the regular season.
In the defensive corps, the team has bolstered its depth with several key signings and extensions. John Marino signed an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.75 million on July 21, and Max Pšenička signed a three-year entry-level contract on July 23. The team also signed defenseman Andrew Peeke to a one-year contract on July 3 and Zac Jones to a two-year, two-way contract on July 1.
Looking Ahead to the Season
The Utah Mammoth will continue training camp through Sept. 25, with on-ice sessions scheduled through Friday. The team's regular season schedule, presented by SeatGeek, is already set, with the home opener scheduled for Oct. 1 against Chicago at 7 P.M. MT.
As the team moves toward its preseason debut, the focus remains on integrating new talent like Trocheck and Lee into a system designed for speed and depth. The upcoming weeks will determine how these various pieces fit together as the Mammoth attempt to build upon their recent postseason appearance.
