The Utah Mammoth's 2025 development camp has concluded, providing valuable insights into the team's prospect pool and offering a glimpse into the potential future of the franchise. Held in Park City and Kearns, the camp allowed coaches and fans to assess the progress of top prospects and identify areas for improvement as players gear up for the upcoming season. Here are some key takeaways from the week-long event.
Simashev's Dominance
Dmitriy Simashev, a highly touted defensive prospect, lived up to expectations and impressed both coaches and teammates. His elite skill set was on full display, with smooth skating, quickness, and exceptional passing and shooting abilities. Simashev's competitiveness was also notable, as evidenced by his performance in the scrimmage, where he scored a goal and tallied two assists. His impact on his teammates was evident, with many players expressing their enjoyment of playing alongside him. Cole Beaudoin noted Simashev's smoothness on the ice, while Max Pšenička praised him as a "really good d-man" and prospect. Simashev was named the Most Valuable Player of the development camp scrimmage.
Desnoyers' High Hockey IQ
Caleb Desnoyers, the Mammoth's fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, showcased his impressive hockey IQ and playmaking abilities. Known for his exceptional passing skills and vision in the offensive zone, Desnoyers has the potential to become a valuable asset to the team's forward group. Scouts have praised his ability to find teammates from anywhere on the ice and his knack for creating scoring opportunities. Desnoyers' two-way capabilities and willingness to backcheck and block shots further solidify his potential as a well-rounded player.
Other Standouts
Several other prospects also made a positive impression at the development camp. Owen Allard and Cal Thomas were recognized for their exceptional fitness levels, earning the Fittest Player Award. Samu Bau received the Most Improved Player Award, acknowledging his significant growth on and off the ice. Cole Beaudoin's strong performance throughout the camp earned him the Award of Excellence.
Community Engagement
The Utah Mammoth continued their focus on community engagement by opening the development camp to the public. Local youth hockey players and their families attended the on-ice sessions and intra-squad scrimmage, providing them with an opportunity to witness the future stars of the organization. This initiative reflects the team's commitment to being "community obsessed" and fostering a welcoming environment for hockey fans of all ages.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 development camp provided the Utah Mammoth with valuable insights into their prospect pool and allowed players to showcase their skills and potential. As the organization continues to build for the future, these young players will play a crucial role in shaping the team's success. The coaching staff will use the observations and evaluations from the camp to guide the development of these prospects as they strive to reach their full potential and contribute to the Utah Mammoth's quest for a Stanley Cup.