October 2, 2026
Salt Lake City, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UT— The University of Utah Skatin’ Utes (ACHA D2) bring the action back to Salt Lake for the first time this season in an action-packed weekend triple-header. The Skatin’ Utes M2 team looks to set the tone early in front of the home crowd at the Salt Lake Sports Complex. Coming off a close 2-1 loss to Weber State, the Utes hope to bounce back as they take on three MWCHL opponents Oct. 1 through Oct. 3.
LAST TIME OUT
The Utes started their season on September 11 against a fierce Weber State team on the Weber County Ice Sheet. After going up 1-0 off a goal from defenseman Kai Tweeten, the Wildcats rattled off two straight goals, including the game-winner from Matthew Houle with only a few minutes remaining in regulation.
THURSDAY’S MATCHUP
Date | Time: Thursday, Oct. 1 | 8:30 p.m. MST
Utah (0-1-0) vs. Montana State (5-0-0)
Location: Salt Lake Sports Complex | 645 South Guardsman Way
Game Center: Click Here
Broadcast: Click Here
Instagram Updates: @utahM2hockey
SCOUTING THE BOBCATS
The Montana State Bobcats finished last season second place in the MWCHL at 27-10, eventually winning the region championship. After their ACHA national playoff berth, the Bobcats show no signs of slowing down, starting the season undefeated. With tremendous play from newcomer Ryan Flaherty and returning production from players like Ben Sutton and Spencer Wilkinson, the Bobcats have high hopes for their 2026-27 season. The Bobcats are also backed up by incredible goalkeeping, including a recent shutout from new cat Cal Welch.
FRIDAY’S MATCHUP
Date | Time: Friday, Oct. 2 | 4:30 p.m. MST
Utah (0-1-0) vs. Providence (2-1-0)
Location: Salt Lake Sports Complex | 645 South Guardsman Way
Game Center: Click Here
Broadcast: Click Here
Instagram Updates: @utahM2hockey
SCOUTING THE ARGONAUTS
The University of Providence Argonauts have started the season 2-1 with some dominant offensive performances against Denver and Metro State, only losing in a close, 1-point-game to the Colorado Buffaloes. Providence plays extremely quickly and has players on both sides who can light up the scoreboard, headlined by last season’s leading scorer Adam Husli, and great wing play from Fabian Vik and AJ Belanger. Combined with a sound defense with two-way stars, the Argonauts look to improve on last season’s success.
SATURDAY’S MATCHUP
Date | Time: Saturday, Oct. 3 | 4:30 p.m. MST
Utah (0-1-0) vs. Montana (3-2-0)
Location: Salt Lake Sports Complex | 645 South Guardsman Way
Game Center: Click Here
Broadcast: Click Here
Instagram Updates: @utahM2hockey
SCOUTING THE GRIZZLIES
The weekend triple header ends with a faceoff against the 3-2 University of Montana Grizzlies. Ending last season with a 14-15 record, the Grizzlies enter 2026 looking to improve under third-year coach Marcus Baxter. In a roller-coaster start for Montana this season, the Grizzlies have notched both an OT win and a 10-goal game, coming against Metro State and Idaho, respectively; losses coming from Colorado and Denver. With a trio of 35+ point scorers in Eitan Geralnik, Ben Cremers, and Max Toijala, the Grizzlies look poised for a much improved 26-27 season.
LOOKING AHEAD INTO 2026-27 SEASON
The Utes are bringing back seven of their top ten scorers from a season where they went 25-12 and fought for the MWCHL championship. With bright stars like Adam Kural and Cole Turner on offense, and veteran leadership from Ben Weiners, Ben Laduke, and Reed Pittman, the Utes have just one goal in mind: a National Championship. After the gut-wrenching end to last season, Utah has a new mindset and is ready to see their name at the top of the MWCHL standings.
Utah’s offense averaged 4.5 goals per game and has retained a huge majority of their scoring leaders. New locker room leadership has emerged, and the team is ready to buy in. Between the pipes, goalies Jack Nowicki and Richard Lucy look to form a dynamic duo in cage, both saving over 90% last season. They are joined by new addition Jeremy Carpenter, who could make an impact as the season goes on.
The Utes are coached by Nick Fornelius, who enters his seventh season with the program.
FOLLOW THE UTES
Fans can catch all Skating Utes action on the team’s social media. (Instagram: @utahM2hockey, Twitter/X: @utahM2hockey, Facebook: www.facebook.com/universityofutahhockey)