Utah Mammoth playoffs raise excitement ahead of 2034 Winter Olympics

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Mammoth are officially playoff bound for the first time since moving to Utah, and it only took them two seasons to take that step.

It’s the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2020 when they were still the Arizona Coyotes. 

Mammoth Captain Clayton Keller was on that team. He said it’s been awhile since they’ve tasted the playoffs.

“You want to taste that and play in those meaningful games,” Keller said. “You know, I think that’s when you really learn the most about your team and yourself, and you know that’s when you want to play the… you know, the best is when, you know, the stakes are the highest.”

Their first round matchup isn’t set in stone yet, but if they hold onto the first wildcard spot, they’ll likely play either Edmonton, Vegas or Anaheim. 

The playoffs start in just over a week. 

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Playoffs and the 2034 Winter Olympic Games

The head of the organizing committee for the 2034 Olympics is just one of many Utahns thrilled about the Utah Mammoth clinching its first-ever trip to the playoffs.

 “I’m a big fan and enthusiastic about it,” said Committee President and Executive Chair Fraser Bullock. “Just because of their success, but also because of the great impact it’s going to have for our games.”

Between Team USA winning gold in Milan, and now the Mammoth playoff berth, Bullock said he’s already seeing excitement build for 2034.

“When we got the mammoth, I thought, ‘Wow, that’s a great step up,'” Bullock said. “But I had no idea how big it was. Now that it’s happening, now that we’re in the playoffs, it’s far bigger of an impact than I ever anticipated.”

Given the National Hockey League has players from all over the world and people in their countries will likely be watching the playoffs, Bullock believes the Utah Mammoth are going to help boost Salt Lake City’s worldwide recognition.

And just as the 2002 games put all eyes on Salt Lake City, Bullock said he believes the Stanley Cup Playoffs will also give Utah a global audience.

“A lot of these players come from countries around the world so they’re all going to be focused on watching the playoffs, watching Utah participate in that.” Bullock said. “So, it’s just another step up in our world-wide reputation in sport.”

For Utah fans in particular, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are expected to bring some excitement to the sport and the state.

“All of Utah would go crazy in a very positive way if the Mammoth go all the way to the Stanley Cup final, and even win it…,” Bullock said. “Wow… what great momentum we’ll have going into 2034.”

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Other Utah Mammoth stories:

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