The Utah Mammoth opened the 2026 season with a 6-0 shutout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Salt Lake City. Dylan Guenther scored two power-play goals to lead the offense, while goaltender Karel Vejmelka recorded 15 saves in the win.
Utah established an early lead in the first period. Guenther scored his first power-play goal with 3:19 remaining in the first period, assisted by Clayton Keller. Michael Carcone extended the lead to two goals just 40 seconds later with a wrist shot over Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom.
In the second period, Nick Schmaltz scored at 9:46 after collecting a puck that deflected off Soderblom's skate. Anders Lee added a third goal for Utah at 6:54 remaining in the period, assisted by Andrew Peeke. Guenther scored his second power-play goal, also assisted by Keller, with 4:32 left in the period to extend the lead to 5-0.
Daniil But completed the scoring for the Mammoth with a goal at 7:10 remaining in the third period. The victory marks the second time in three seasons that the Mammoth have won their season opener by such a margin.
Chicago struggled offensively during the contest, generating only nine shots on goal during the first two periods. Arvid Soderblom made 26 saves in the loss for the Blackhawks, who also fell to 0-2 after a 5-2 defeat against Vegas on Tuesday night.
The Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to play at Buffalo on Saturday night. The Utah Mammoth will travel to play at Columbus on Saturday night.
