Looking Back: January 2026

Throughout May and June, we’ll take a look back at each month of the 2025-26 campaign

The start of 2026 brought wins on the ice and an exciting announcement off the ice. Let’s take a look back at January 2026!

On the Ice

The Mammoth had a 10-4-1 record in January and went on a nine-game points streak in the middle of the month (Jan. 5-24). There were several staggering scores including a 7-2 win over the New York Islanders on Jan. 1, a 6-1 in over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 13, and a 6-3 win over the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 17.

The first game of 2026 was extra special for forward Dylan Guenther who recorded his first career hat trick, and second career four-point game in the win. Two of his three goals against the Islanders were in the second period while his third was in the final frame.

On Jan. 21, Utah showed they’re a team that won’t quit. After battling back from a 3-0 deficit, the Mammoth and Philadelphia Flyers were tied 4-4 in the final minutes of regulation. When Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway sped up ice with an empty net in front of him, a strong defensive move by Nick Schmaltz stopped Philadelphia from taking a 5-4 lead and sent the game to overtime. In the extra frame, it was the Captain, Clayton Keller, who stepped up with a huge overtime winner.

There were plenty of significant milestones throughout the month that deserve mentioning. On Jan. 9, forward Michael Carcone played his 200^th NHL game while on Jan. 15, alternate captain Mikhail Sergachev played his 600^th career NHL game. On Jan. 17, defenseman Nate Schmidt recorded his 200^th NHL assist, on Jan. 26, Guenther played his 200^th NHL game, and on Jan. 31, JJ Peterka recorded his 100^th career assist. 

In addition to these milestones, Karel Vejmelka was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week in mid-January.

Heading Outdoors

On Jan. 7, the NHL announced that the Mammoth will host the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic. Utah will face the Colorado Avalanche in a Central Division matchup for the organization’s first outdoor game. It’s a significant moment for the Mammoth and will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The International Stage

In early January, countries participating in the Winter Olympics named their teams for Milano Cortina 2026. Captain Clayton Keller, goaltender Karel Vejmelka, and forward JJ Peterka were each named to their respective national teams. 

My Hometown

Every time the Mammoth travel to Edmonton to face the Oilers, it’s a special trip for Guenther. The Utah forward was born and raised in Edmonton and even played for the city’s junior team. Learn more about Guenther and his hometown on this January episode of Break the Ice.

Visitors Welcome

In January, the social media team brought Keller’s dog, Lucky, on a series of adventures. We think it’s safe to say, he’s probably everyone’s favorite visitor.

Up next, we take a look at February 2026!