Colorado Avalanche announce a two-game Denver preseason kickoff on September 21, with split-squad battles against Utah Mammoth at Magness Arena (2:30 p.m.) and Ball Arena (6:30 p.m.). Utah makes its first appearance as Mammoth after rebranding from Utah HC, while the Avs use the slate to evaluate prospects alongside veterans ahead of a regular-season opener at Los Angeles on October 7. Two more home exhibitions follow—Sept. 27 vs Dallas and Sept. 30 vs Vegas—before trips to Vegas (Oct. 1) and Dallas (Oct. 4). A late-season doubleheader in Ball Arena pits Denver and Colorado against Montreal and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Nov. 29, with the DU hosts and the Avs eyeing roster depth and goaltending competition as the pipeline remains in focus for fantasy managers.

The schedule underscores the Avalanche’s emphasis on youth evaluation and minute distribution across lines, with observers and fantasy players watching for breakout performances from camp invitees and promising rookies. The back-to-back novelty of Ball Arena’s extra exhibition, followed by a high-profile regular-season opener in October, frames early-season decisions on which players will be core contributors versus those who might begin 2025-26 in the AHL or on the taxi squad, all of which can reshape early fantasy value and daily-transaction strategies.

The Voices of Hockey: Broadcasters Reflect on the Fastest Game on Earth is now an audiobook, expanding the 2016 edition with about 30 extra interviews and fresh context on today’s NHL. Utah-born author Kirk McKnight drew 65 broadcasters past and present to mine the craziest, most riveting moments—the fights, the chaos in the stands, the quick quips in the booth—through the lens of the storytellers themselves. Costas’ anecdote about a rookie broadcaster navigating a chaotic bus escape frames the craft, while McKnight emphasizes trimming years of material into a tight, compelling narrative that still captures the sport’s blood, grit, and humor. Local flavor comes via the Utah Mammoth, and McKnight even sought a personal voice in Chuck Bowler, a narrator chosen for the project. The book’s update also nods to three new NHL teams and an inactive club, underscoring how the league’s evolution shapes the art of broadcasting and fandom.

McKnight’s mission is clear: celebrate the voices that turn on-ice action into story, shaping how fans and fantasy players perceive the game. By foregrounding broadcasters as central to hockey’s mythology, the audiobook becomes a guide not just to history, but to today’s game and its future narratives. Gretzky’s legacy threads through the discussion as a benchmark of stardom, while the Coyotes’ and other franchises’ histories provide context for the modern game’s storytelling tapestry. This is hockey lore told aloud, with a local heartbeat in Utah and a global reach in the broadcast booth.

The Utah Mammoth, the NHL's new team, has faced significant legal challenges over its name. The team previously attempted to adopt the name 'Utah Yeti' but was blocked by Yeti coolers. Now, Mammoth Hockey, an Oregon-based manufacturer of hockey bags, has issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the Mammoth cease use of their name, turn over unsold merchandise, and provide accounting records. The Mammoth's ownership group, Smith Entertainment Group, has filed a lawsuit claiming exclusive rights to the name under federal law, while Mammoth Hockey vows to defend its longstanding common law trademark.

This naming saga highlights the complexities surrounding trademark laws in sports, particularly when small businesses are involved. Although Mammoth Hockey has operated for over a decade, reports indicate it lacks active trademarks, which complicates its legal position against the NHL. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for future team names and their implications on existing brands.

The Utah Mammoth, an NHL team, has initiated legal action against Mammoth Hockey LLC over a trademark dispute concerning the use of the name 'Utah Mammoth'. The team contends that their right to the name is protected under both federal and state law. This dispute emerged shortly after the Mammoth rebranded from the Utah Hockey Club, a name used during their inaugural season in Salt Lake City after relocating from Arizona. The lawsuit claims that both the Mammoth and Mammoth Hockey LLC are unable to reach an agreement, primarily due to concerns about potential market confusion caused by their similarly themed branding.

Mammoth Hockey, established in 2014, has issued a cease-and-desist letter claiming that the Mammoth's branding could mislead customers and potentially harm their business, citing that the similar mammoth logos might confuse fans. The co-founder of Mammoth Hockey has stated that they intend to vigorously defend their trademark rights in court. This legal battle highlights the complexities and challenges of branding within competitive sports markets.

The Utah Mammoth's 2025-26 NHL schedule has been unveiled, featuring exciting matchups that fans won't want to miss. The season kicks off with a divisional rivalry against the Colorado Avalanche on October 9, followed by a home opener against the Calgary Flames on October 15 at the revamped Delta Center.

Key highlights include an extensive New Year’s Day road trip in New York, where the Mammoth will face the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers. Additionally, the Olympic break from February 5-24 allows NHL players, including potential Mammoth representatives, to showcase their skills internationally.

Throughout the season, fans can look forward to hosting notable teams like the Florida Panthers and star players such as Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, making for an action-packed season in Salt Lake City.