The Mammoth held an optional morning skate and a non-game group practice on Monday
After playing two preseason games on Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche, it was quickly back to work for the Utah Mammoth. Monday morning, the team held an optional morning skate ahead of tonight’s preseason game against the Anaheim Ducks.
“The thing is we have three games in two days, so we tried to not have veterans playing back-to-back,” Tourigny explained about his roster for tonight.
Ryan McGregor, Brandon Tanev, Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, Kevin Stenlund, Dylan Guenther, Scott Perunovich, Montana Onyebuchi, Kevin Connauton, Veeti Väisänen, Mikhail Sergachev, Jaxson Stauber, and Karel Vejmelka all participated in the team’s optional skate.
Monday afternoon, the non-game group hit the ice for practice. Here’s who was in attendance for the second ice session of the day:
Forwards: Miko Matikka, Sammy Walker, Coster Dunn, Daniil But, Noel Nordh, Austin Poganski, Michal Kunc, Gabe Smith, Maksim Barbasev, Michael Carcone, Julian Lutz, Owen Allard, Coster Dunn, Kailer Yamamoto, JJ Peterka, Lawson Crouse, Carson Harmer, Ty Tullio
Defensemen: Tomas Lavoie, Ludvig Lafton, Max Pšenička, Dmitri Simashev, Nick DeSimone, John Marino, Olli Määttä, Nate Schmidt, Sean Durzi, Ian Cole, Lleyton Moore
Goaltenders: Vítek Vaněček, Matt Villalta, Dylan Wells
As preparation for the upcoming season continues, Tourigny explained the process of getting ready for Game 1 on Oct. 9.
“We have seven (preseason) games to play and it’s a race to be ready for the start of the season,” Tourigny shared. “I think there’s different phases in the training camp. I think we’re in the phase where it’s hard, the intensity it’s a tough schedule, there’s volume in the training.
“Next week we’ll go a little bit on a different phase where (there) will be a lot of teaching,” Tourigny continued. “A lot of progression in the system, in the structure, and special situations. Then we’ll have to fine tune, just crank it up a little bit before the start of the season. Drop the volume as much as we can, and be ready for the season.”
Associate Captain Lawson Crouse has seen the group embrace the volume of work and push through the busy start to camp.
“It’s a lot of information for some of the new guys coming in,” Crouse explained. “Obviously, the returning guys were a little bit more fortunate with knowing the systems. There’s been a few tweaks and changes but just a lot of repetitions and that kind of makes you feel a little bit more comfortable going into the game. Obviously last night, that game comes quick. We had three really good practices and then you’re in a game. So it’s just about getting those repetitions and just trying to get better each and every period and grow the game.”
“A lot of conditioning,” Stenlund shared on using these preseason games to prepare. “A lot of getting your head in the game and mostly just get ready for the season.”
Over the first section of camp, Utah’s goaltenders have had a chance to work on the basics, get more competitive reps, and get back into game form. Goaltenders Jaxson Stauber and Vítek Vaněček broke down what they have focused on over the last week.
“Good fundamentals is the biggest thing,” Stauber explained. “A lot of times in summer skates, you don’t get a lot of traffic plays, and that’s such a huge part of the game. So just working on that, especially in these practice scenarios when you can get 5-on-5, and the same thing with preseason. There’s a lot more traffic, a lot more guys, you don’t have a lot of clear sight lines on shots. So just working to find those sight lines and making sure you’re doing a good job on that.”
“Just trying to get to the game,” Vaněček said. “Working on my eyes, and (my) skating. Skating I think it’s the most important for the goalies is to stay in the game and there’s the two things I’m focusing on.”
Throughout training camp, Crouse continues to be a key voice pushing this group forward. In addition to standing up for his teammates on the ice, he’s set the example for many things including how to prepare and be ready for these preseason contests.
“I think ultimately, just trying to be the best version of myself,” Crouse explained. “Hopefully that’s contagious. Do the right things, lead by example.”
His head coach had high praise for the Associate Captain on Monday.
“I’m super excited,” Tourigny shared. “His approach, his leadership, his performance on the ice, his drive, he separated himself. I’m really proud of him.
“He’s a high character guy who has a lot of pride and he knew what he had to do and really, really proud of him.”
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