Take a sneak peek at some of the Mammoth prospects looking to join the herd in Utah at the professional level.
Utah has an impressive young group of players with high quality veterans providing support and mentorship. The Mammoth are right in the midst of the Western Conference, so any collegiate help down the stretch could be invaluable.
Mar 29, 2025; Toledo, OH, USA; Boston University forward Kamil Bednarik (11) skates with the puck to Cornell forward Jonathan Castagna (38) in the first period at Huntington Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesJonathan Castagna: Forward, Cornell University. 2022 3rd Round, 70th Overall.
Coaches often use the old adage, “Keep moving your feet.” For Jonathan Castagna, that is where he derives much of his success from. Through his constant motion, Castagna is a consistent producer. A recent example of that motion was on display in his snapshot goal against Princeton. Castagna has hit his stride this season in particular, leading the Big Red with seven goals, holding a second place 14 points, and tying for third through 6 assists, all through 13 games. Currently, Cornell is a point out of first place in the ECAC, and Castagna will be a driving factor in the Big Red’s push for the top spot.
Tanner Ludtke: Forward, University of Minnesota. 2023 3rd Round 81st Overall.
Tanner Ludtke is back on track! After a season ending shoulder injury his sophomore year at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Ludtke is finding his rhythm with the Gophers. The go to top six center for Head Coach Bob Motzko, Ludtke has a lot of poise for Minnesota and has been crucial in helping Minnesota keep swimming along in the rip current of the Big Ten standings. Ludtke is playing like his old self in Lincoln, utilizing space away from the puck in order to make plays, and it is showing up on the scoresheet. At the time of publication. Ludtke is on a four game point streak, earning a goal and three assists. Bottom line, the Elko, MN native has his swagger back playing for his hometown school!
Feb 28, 2025; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College defenseman Will Skahan (26) skates against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats during the third period at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesWill Skahan: Defenseman, Boston College. 2024 2nd Round, 65th Overall.
Aggression is often an integral part of being a defenseman, and Will Skahan is one of the most aggressive defensemen in Hockey East. Coming in at 6’5” and 223 pounds, Skahan’s presence ensures that forecheckers keep their heads on a swivel to avoid bracing for impact from one of his huge collisions. It’s not just Skahan’s physicality that is aggressive, but it’s his hunger for the puck as well. Regardless of which opposing player has possession, Skahan is relentlessly in their face, waiting for them to make a small mistake, which he exploits to create turnovers. I could see Skahan meshing well with Nate Schmidt, given that both like to play the defensive game on the edge. Time will tell when Skahan arrives in the professional ranks.
Cal Thomas: Defenseman, University of Minnesota. 2021 6th Round, 171st Overall.
Called a “mainstay of the defensive corps,” Gopher Captain Cal Thomas is a steady defensive defenseman. After battling back from injuries early in the season last year, Thomas has a fully healthy senior season for 2025-26. He’s not a massive point producer, but rather a player who does the little things right to help elevate his teammates’ production. His characterization as a mainstay by the university personifies his role on the second pairing. Assuming he does not come back for a graduate season, the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners or even the Mammoth could use his help making the playoffs in either league’s very crowded Pacific Division.
Honorable Mention: Michael Hrabal, Matthew Morden