Mammoth Players Return to Action: A Look Back at the Past Two Years

The NHL season is in full swing, with teams battling it out for supremacy. However, before we dive into the current season, let's take a look back at what happened two years ago, when many of the current Mammoth players were taking the ice.

A Star-Studded Roster Takes Shape

In June 2021, the NHL announced its Expansion Draft, where teams selected players from existing franchises to join their rosters. For the San Jose Sharks' new expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, this meant selecting a mix of veteran players and up-and-coming talent.

Among those chosen by the Golden Knights were:

• Keller: A physical, two-way center with a strong defensive game.
• Nick Schmaltz: A skilled playmaker and goal-scorer from the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Dylan Guenther: A talented young forward with speed and agility.
• Alex Kerfoot: A versatile forward who excelled in both scoring and defensive situations.
• Jack McBain: A rugged, physical defenseman with a strong shot.
• Liam O'Brien: A skilled goaltender with exceptional positioning and movement.
• Sean Durzi: A mobile, puck-moving defenseman with great vision.
• Michael Carcone: A speedy, skilled forward with a strong shot.
• Lawson Crouse: A physical, dominant center who excelled in front of the net.
• Logan Cooley: A highly touted prospect with exceptional skill and speed.

The Golden Knights' First Season

As part of their inaugural season, the Golden Knights played a mix of veteran players from the NHL and new additions like those selected in the Expansion Draft. The team showed promise, but struggled to find consistency and depth on the ice.

Despite this, there were many positives, including:

• Keller's emergence as a leader: Keller quickly established himself as a key player on the team, using his physicality and skating ability to dominate face-offs and shut down opponents.
• Schmaltz's playmaking: Schmaltz showed off his exceptional vision and passing skills, creating scoring chances for teammates with his precision passes.
• Guenther's speed and agility: Guenther quickly became a fan favorite due to his speed, agility, and ability to create scoring opportunities through sheer force of will.

A New Era for the Golden Knights

As the seasons progressed, it became clear that this expansion team was more than just a collection of new faces. The Golden Knights were building something special – a cohesive unit with a strong foundation of skill, speed, and physicality.

Their roster, which included many of the players mentioned above, proved to be one of the most talented in the NHL. With the addition of top prospects like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, the Golden Knights were poised for a bright future.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The team faced its share of injuries, suspensions, and setbacks, which tested their resolve and chemistry.

Despite these challenges, the Golden Knights persevered, relying on their strong work ethic and commitment to one another to overcome obstacles.

A Look Back at Past Successes

As we reflect on the past two years, it's clear that this team has come a long way. From its humble beginnings as an expansion team to its current status as a top contender in the NHL, the Golden Knights have shown remarkable resilience and determination.

Their roster, which includes many of the players mentioned above, is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end. With this talented group of individuals working together towards a common goal, there's no doubt that the future looks bright for the Golden Knights.