Mammoth Aim to Bring Stanley Cup Playoffs to Utah

March Madness also on the horizon as BYU and Utah State make tournament pushes

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With the Utah Mammoth hockey team making a bid to host Stanley Cup Playoff games for the first time ever, and March Madness right around the corner, sports commentators Adam Mikulich and Spence Checketts had plenty to discuss on their latest episode of the Talkin' Sports podcast.

Why it matters

This would be a historic moment for Utah sports, as the Mammoth have never before hosted playoff games, and the state's college basketball teams, BYU and Utah State, are both projected to make the NCAA Tournament this year.

The details

The Mammoth, Utah's professional hockey team, are making a strong push to secure home ice advantage in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. This would mark the first time ever that playoff games are hosted in the state. Meanwhile, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, known as March Madness, is about to take the country by storm, and both BYU and Utah State are expected to receive bids to compete.

  • The Mammoth are making a push to host Stanley Cup Playoff games for the first time ever.
  • March Madness, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, is about to begin.

The players

Utah Mammoth

Utah's professional hockey team that is vying to host Stanley Cup Playoff games for the first time.

BYU

One of Utah's college basketball teams that is projected to make the NCAA Tournament this year.

Utah State

The other Utah college basketball team expected to receive an NCAA Tournament bid this year.

Adam Mikulich

Sports commentator who co-hosts the Talkin' Sports podcast.

Spence Checketts

Sports commentator who co-hosts the Talkin' Sports podcast with Adam Mikulich.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tournament projections for BYU and Utah State are a click away right here!

The takeaway

This is an exciting time for Utah sports fans, with the possibility of the Mammoth hosting playoff hockey games for the first time, and the state's top college basketball teams both making a push for the NCAA Tournament.