The Utah Mammoth fell 4-1 to the Colorado Avalanche in their 2026 preseason opener on Sept. 20 at Ball Arena, according to reports from the NHL. While the result was a loss, Utah officials noted the team showed progression and improvement throughout the contest.
Colorado Secures Preseason Win
The Avalanche secured the victory behind scoring from Beckett Hamilton, Gavin Brindley, Brock Nelson, and Taylor Makar. Hamilton opened the scoring at 8:54 of the second period, assisted by Martin Necas, per a primary report from the NHL. The Mammoth responded at 15:27 of the second period when Yegor Borikov scored a tying goal assisted by Gabe Smith and Artem Duda.
Colorado took control in the third period with two quick goals. Gavin Brindley scored at 1:52 of the third period, assisted by Nazem Kadri, followed by Brock Nelson at 2:27, assisted by Artturi Lehkonen and Devon Toews. Taylor Makar sealed the 4-1 win with a goal at 17:27 of the third period, assisted by T.J. Hughes and Brindley.
Mammoth Individual Performances
Despite the loss, Utah goaltender Sebastian Cossa made his preseason debut and recorded 11 saves on 12 shots, finishing with a .917 save percentage. Mammoth head coach André Tourigny praised Cossa's performance, noting the goaltender's ability to see the puck despite heavy traffic.
Michael Hrabal also made his preseason debut, entering the game for the third period. Hrabal finished with two saves on five shots, according to the NHL. The Mammoth also demonstrated strength in faceoffs, winning 69.4% of the draws against Colorado. Vincent Trocheck led the effort at the dot, going 7-for-10, while prospects Caleb Desnoyers and Gabe Smith also found success.
Growth Through Competition
Utah players and coaching staff expressed that the game provided valuable learning opportunities. Head coach André Tourigny noted that while the team lacked pace and reacted slowly in the first period, they improved significantly as the game progressed.
Player Nick DeSimone said following the game that the team began to find their legs and improved their forechecking by the second period. The Mammoth finished the game with 24 total shots on goal compared to Colorado's 17, and recorded 27 hits, according to official game statistics.
Looking Ahead
The Mammoth will continue their preseason schedule following the loss in Denver. The team's upcoming preseason schedule included games against Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
