900 skaters registered at new Utah Mammoth facility since February

Local businesses in Sandy are reporting higher customer traffic since the Utah Mammoth opened its new training facility. The Mammoth Ice Center, located just across the street from Legends Pub & Grill Southtown, has become a destination for youth hockey teams, families, and individual skaters from across the region.

Brooks Mandryk, who helps operate the family-owned restaurant, stated that the facility has become a welcome addition to the neighborhood. He noted that the arrival of professional hockey followed by the construction of the practice facility was a long-standing goal for local hockey fans. The restaurant sees its largest increases in business when youth teams and their supporters gather for games, practices, and tournaments. Mandryk said groups of 20 to 25 people arrive regularly, with parents and players typically occupying separate tables.

The facility opened on Feb. 20. Since that date, the center has registered 900 participants in its learn-to-skate program. It has also enrolled 300 children in its introductory Rookie League and organized 70 adult league teams. The programming schedule includes public skating, clinics, camps, and events specifically for girls' hockey. The facility is open to players of various ages and experience levels.

Kristen Bowness, director of youth hockey and amateur strategy for Smith Entertainment Group, explained that the center aims to keep the ice accessible to the public whenever the professional team is not using it. Bowness stated that the goal is to find a spot for anyone who wants to play hockey. The programs accommodate participants as young as three years old and as old as 89.

Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski indicated that the facility draws visitors from throughout the region. She said this influx of people is beneficial for businesses in Sandy. The center continues to offer opportunities for recreational players alongside its professional training operations.

For details on public skating, leagues, and other programs, residents can visit MammothIceCenter.com.