SALT LAKE CITY, UT-The Utah Mammoth has found its spark since unveiling their new mascot, Tusky. Ever since unveiling their new identity, the Mammoth have gone 7–1.
After months of fan voting, the team revealed the Utah Mammoth name earlier this year. According to ESPN, over 850,000 fans helped choose it. “From day one, we committed that this team would be built with and for the people of Utah and we are excited to celebrate today’s launch with the entire state,” said team owners Ryan and Ashley Smith.
The new mascot gives players and fans a reason to rally together. The crowd got louder, and the team’s energy started to shift. “The community chose the Utah Mammoth brand, and it stands as a symbol of who we are, where we came from, and the unstoppable force we’re building together,” the Smiths said in an interview with NHL.com.
“You know, the team name grew on me really quickly,” said Dr. Sydney Shoepf, a fan from the beginning. “I was hoping for ‘Yeti’ or maybe ‘Outlaws,’ but ‘Mammoth’ ended up being perfect. We can make all kinds of fun references like ‘stomping the competition.’”
The new mascot, Tusky, has become a fan favorite and helped create a stronger home-ice atmosphere. Fans say the mascot has given them a sense of pride and energy that wasn’t there before.
“I think there’s definitely a connection between the mascot reveal and the team’s success,” said Dr. Shoepf. “They went on a 7–1 streak, and the mascot was announced during the second game of that run. Now everyone looks for Tusky at games; he really brings the crowd together.”
“This name isn’t just for now—it’s for generations of Utah fans to come,” wrote reporter Jay Drew in Deseret News, calling the Mammoth brand “a perfect mix of history, pride, and energy” (deseret.com).
With their mascot leading the charge, the Utah Mammoth have found more than a name—they’ve found a winning identity and a fan base ready to cheer them all the way to the Stanley Cup.
