Mammoth: Matikka Excels in Rookie Showcase

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Miko Matikka is one Utah Mammoth prospect who’s looking to keep his momentum from last season going.

Last season was a pivotal one for Matikka. After splitting time between the AHL and the ECHL during the 2024-25 season, he managed to stay in Tucson (AHL) the whole season. While he only played in 51 games, he managed to register five goals and seven assists for 12 points.

This season, Matikka wants to take another step forward. He wants to get more playing time. If he can play more, he’ll hopefully produce more. Matikka would love to get back to the level of production he had with the University of Denver in the NCAA. He registered 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points in 43 games for Denver in 2023-24.

“I just want to be comfortable with the structure and playing professional hockey,” Matikka said. “It’s a little different from college and junior, and I thought last year was a good learning experience, and this year is a time to ramp it up and have a better one than last year.”

Matikka Looks Good at Rookie Showcase

During the rookie faceoff, Matikka has looked impressive. He scored the very first goal in Utah’s first game against the Vegas Golden Knights. In Sunday’s game, he picked up an assist while registering two shots. For the 22-year-old, these three games with the Mammoth rookies are a warm-up for the NHL and AHL training camps starting later this week. 

“The first few games are always to take the dust off the legs, but I thought I had a good start to the first game and the second game,” Matikka said. “I just need to keep it rolling, keep ramping it up, and keep playing a structure, and the skill will come from there.”

Matikka is hoping for a big season, especially with his entry-level deal expiring after this season. If he continues his strong play from the rookie faceoff going into training camp and the regular season, he could have a very big season.