'I Was Enchanted': Mammoth Star Opens Up About Relocation From Arizona to Utah

"Compared to Phoenix, Arizona, Utah is more European. I didn't know much about Utah before, except that there are a lot of Mormons there and that the capital is Salt Lake City.

I was enchanted by the nature there, the mountains are right next to the city, so Utah has a lot to offer for me outside of hockey. It is an ideal destination for me."

"Being in the first year of the organization was unique because if nothing happens, the club will be around for decades to come. I knew that the first year would be extremely important: for the fans, the internal organization and the sponsors. I took it as a great challenge and responsibility, not many people get that chance.

I try to understand how the marketing around the team works, and I have to say they do a great job. Compared to Arizona, there is already more merchandising here, we have a big fan shop where things change regularly.

There wasn't even a fan shop in Arizona, everything was bought online. During the games in Utah, they not only sell team jerseys, but they also print specific names on people's backs right in the stadium. When I go out on the ice, I look around the stands, and when I see my jersey, I almost can't believe it."

"You can feel it in Utah too, the average altitude is somewhere under two thousand meters. That was a big jump for me when I came from Arizona, I felt it a lot during training for the first two weeks. Then my lungs and body adapted to it and now it's more of an advantage. We have an extra physique because of it."