Utah Mammoth Rookies Drop Decision to Sharks in Rookie Faceoff

The San Jose Sharks were widely expected to make an impact during the rookie showcase weekend, and the Utah Mammoth faced a formidable test on Sunday. While the 3-1 result represents a loss, it is not a disappointing outcome given the caliber of opponent. The Mammoth rookies matched their rivals in physicality, speed, and skill. Here are the key takeaways from Sunday’s matchup against the Sharks.

Miko Matikka Continues Strong Tournament Form Ahead of Critical Season

Miko Matikka had a productive season splitting time between the AHL and ECHL last year before staying in Tucson for the full campaign. Although limited to 51 games, that total nearly doubled his previous season’s output and added 10 more points.

This season, Matikka aims to build on that progress by increasing both his ice time and production, moving closer to the rates he achieved with Denver.

“I just want to be comfortable with the structure and playing professional hockey,” Matikka said. “It’s a little different from college and junior, and I thought last year was a good learning experience, and this year is a time to ramp it up and have a better one than last year.”

Matikka continued his strong rookie faceoff play by scoring the opening goal against Vegas Golden Knights and adding an assist with two shots in Sunday’s contest.

For Matikka, these games serve as preparation for two upcoming training camps.

“The first few games are always to take the dust off the legs, but I thought I had a good start to the first game and the second game,” Matikka said. “I just need to keep it rolling, keep ramping it up, and keep playing a structure, and the skill will come from there.”

Matikka faces a pivotal season with his entry-level deal expiring next summer. Continued strong play from the rookie faceoff into camp and the regular season could make this a breakthrough year, though past rookie camps have not always translated to AHL success. This season needs to be different.

Michael Hrabal Stands Tall Once Again

Michael Hrabal has emerged as arguably the top goaltender in the rookie showcase, allowing only two goals across two games. He made 19 saves on 21 shots Sunday, giving Utah every chance to win.

One of the tournament’s standout stops came late in Sunday’s game when Hrabal denied the latest second-overall draft pick, Ivar Stenberg, on a breakaway. The save kept the Mammoth within one goal of tying.

Hrabal also excelled during three Sharks power plays, conceding only on a power play goal that slipped past him against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Last season, Hrabal concluded his collegiate career and joined the Roadrunners under head coach Steve Potvin. Across five games, he posted a 3-1-1 record with a .897 save percentage. Over the summer, Hrabal prepared for his first full professional season, and Potvin has already noticed improvement.

“His skating’s improved,” Hrabal said. “He looks better in his stance, and he looks pretty solid. He’s given us a chance to win tonight. He made some big saves on the PK, and late in the game when we gave up a breakaway. It looks like he’s had a really good summer. He gave us a chance to win both games.”

Hrabal will likely start Tuesday’s game against the Kings to complete the tournament schedule. The Mammoth want him to gain every possible advantage before becoming the primary starter in Tucson. He has been one of Utah’s best players over the past two games and remains a prospect worth watching during the season.

Other Standouts From Game 2

Jake Gustafson led the Sharks to victory with two first-period goals and the game-winner. Andrei Molgachev answered for the Mammoth late in the first, tipping an Artem Duda shot past the goalie.

Andrei Molgachev gets us on the board.

Live stream the 2026 Rookie Faceoff here: pic.twitter.com/tu76o5b6tp

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) September 14, 2026

Duda has accumulated three points in two games, including a goal, which is impressive given he is recovering from knee surgery.

Daniil But and Dmitri Simashev delivered solid performances against the Sharks. But generated several high-quality chances by getting behind the defense and led the team with six shots.

Florent Houle also stood out in his first rookie camp, finishing checks on every shift and pinning opponents along the boards. Unafraid of physical contact, Houle made smart passes to redirect the puck toward the net. Fans should be excited for his QMJHL season and future camp appearances.

Another fight. Another big hit on Musty leads to Wetsch once again defending his teammate, this time fighting Biber. #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/8zvDsGWOP4

— Chase Beardsley (@ChaseBeardsley_) September 14, 2026

Tomas Lavoie and Gregor Biber both engaged in fights with Carson Wetsch. Physicality remained central to Utah’s game plan, with Potvin emphasizing its importance throughout the tournament. For Matikka, it demonstrated the team’s willingness to support each other.

“I love it,” Matikka said. “That’s how we play. We stick up for each other, and those guys put their body on the line. Everyone does it for the guy that’s out of them, and I thought that was good. I love it.”

However, Utah’s five-on-five scoring remains a concern. All four goals scored this weekend came on the power play, despite outshooting the Sharks 29-22.

An even-strength goal is desperately needed heading into Tuesday’s matchup, requiring better puck management and sustained momentum.

“It’s heartbreaking a little bit because the guys are working hard and they’re not able to get a goal five-on-five,” Potvin said. “They’ve had some real good chances in the slot. We just need one to go in. I thought our guys, for the most part, played a pretty good game. There were some times where we lost momentum because of our puck management at the end of shifts, and they were able to gain some momentum back on us. It took us three or four minutes to get back into it. That always puts us on our heels for a little bit.”

The Mammoth possess the talent to secure another victory. An off day on Monday provides rest, but the five-on-five goal deficiency must be addressed. Tuesday’s game represents one of the final opportunities for these players to impress during the shortened training camp, and the pressure is mounting.

Utah will conclude its San Jose portion of the rookie faceoff on Tuesday against the Kings, who sit at 1-1-0 in the tournament following a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

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