The Utah Mammoth made a significant roster announcement on Thursday, revealing that goaltender Karel Vejmelka has been activated from injured reserve. He is expected to play in the afternoon matchup against the New York Islanders.
Karel Vejmelka’s Return to the Mammoth
Vejmelka was placed on injured reserve last week, effective retroactively to December 23. During that period, he missed a game against the Colorado Avalanche. In 29 games played this season, Vejmelka holds a record of 16 wins, 10 losses, and 2 overtime losses, with a save percentage of .896 and a goals against average of 2.70. His contributions to the team have been notable, recording a goals saved above expected (GSAx) of 6.2.
Career Overview
The 2015 fifth-round draft pick by the Nashville Predators has accumulated 227 career NHL regular-season games. Over this span, his record stands at 86 victories, 107 defeats, and 21 games lost, alongside an overall save percentage of .899 and a 3.13 goals against average. Before transitioning to the NHL, Vejmelka played for eight seasons in Czechia’s top domestic league. He secured a record of 77 wins and 84 losses in 163 games, maintaining a .913 save percentage and a 2.56 goals against average while playing for teams like Pardubice HC, Brno Kometa, and Dukla Jihlava.
Olympic Aspirations
As the Czech Republic prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Vejmelka’s name has emerged as a potential candidate for the national team. His impressive performances have garnered attention, particularly from analysts such as Matt Larkin and Steven Ellis, who believe he could represent Czechia this February.
Mammoth’s Current Standings
Entering Thursday’s game, the Mammoth’s record stands at 18 wins, 19 losses, and 3 overtime losses, totaling 39 points. They currently sit fifth in the Central Division, just two points away from a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Top Performers
- Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz lead the team with 33 points each.
- Dylan Guenther leads in goals scored with 17.
- Mikhail Sergachev tops the defenders with 5 goals and 21 assists, totaling 26 points.
