The Utah Mammoth are riding high after two straight victories at the Delta Center to start the 2025-26 home schedule. Hosting the Boston Bruins today, the visitors will be the first and last Eastern Conference opponent of October. The recent success has been largely due to strong goaltending by Karel Vejmelka, who has been in the crease for all three Utah victories.
In his first four starts of the season, the 29-year-old has a 3-1 record and an impressive 2.00 GAA with a .912 save percentage. The former 2015 5th round NHL Draft choice has picked up where he left off last season. Last season, Vejmelka finished with a 2.58 GAA and led the way to a playoff push after Connor Ingram was unable to play.
This past summer, Bill Armstrong went out to get some depth in the crease and signed fellow Czech goalie, Vitek Vanecek, from the Stanley Cup champion, the Florida Panthers. Vanecek played against the Chicago Blackhawks and fell 3-1 despite only giving up 2 goals on 15 shots.
Vanecek is a more than capable backup goalie to Vejmelka, having almost 100 career victories in 189 games played. Although he did not get the victory in Chicago, the former Toronto Maple Leaf's keeper gave his team a chance to win the game.
Tonight, against an Eastern Conference opponent, would be another chance to keep Vejmelka fresh early in the season and introduce the Utah faithful to Vanecek. The Bruins are not the powerhouse from past seasons and have been mediocre to start the season.
As early as it is in the season, it is important to keep Vejmelka fresh for the entire season and playoffs. The week ahead is packed against all Western Conference opponents and more importantly, Central Division opponents. The likes of Colorado, Winnipeg, and St. Louis are ahead, and it will be a good chance for the Mammoth to get ahead in the Pacific Division standings.
Either way, the Mammoth will have a good chance to start off the season with three straight victories in front of the home crowd. This season will be different, as this coaching staff will need to prepare for the long haul, as Utah is expected to make the playoffs.