SALT LAKE CITY – The inaugural season for the Utah Mammoth was a dream scenario for goaltender Karel Vejmelka.
After moving to Salt Lake City from Arizona, “Veggie” had his best season in the National Hockey League and was not only rewarded with a sizable five-year contract extension, but the love of an entire fanbase.
Karel Vejmelka made an ABSURD 49 saves in tonight’s @utahhockeyclub 4-1 victory 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xSr5Gb1plO
— NHL (@NHL) November 14, 2024
So, how does the beloved netminder feel about Utah?
In a recent interview with Forbes Czechia, Vejmelka shared insight on his first season in the beehive state and had plenty of praise for his new home.
Karel Vejmelka on the cover over Czechia Forbes.
“Goalies are no different from other hockey players. But it’s true that few people would let a puck hit them at 120 kilometers per hour.”
Full article: https://t.co/atNfocEOap pic.twitter.com/yCeYAgnWrC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) August 11, 2025
Vejmelka describes contract extension with Utah Mammoth as “fairy tale”
The first season of the NHL in Utah was truly unique.
In addition to countless firsts, numerous unforgettable moments and an instant connection with the community, Vejmelka’s own season was also unlike any he’d experienced before.
“Being at the first year of the organization was unique, because if nothing happens, that club will be here for the next few decades,” Vejmelka said.
“I knew that the first year would be extraordinarily important: for the fans, the internal organization, and the sponsors. I took it as a big challenge and responsibility; not many people get such an opportunity.”
Despite beginning the year as a backup to Connor Ingram, Vejmelka was then provided an opportunity to become the starter, and he never looked back.
Following his electric and career-best 49-save performance against the Carolina Hurricanes in Mid-November, Veggie dominated the crease and became an anchor in net for the Mammoth.
Related: Top 10 Utah Hockey Club Moments From Inaugural NHL Season
In 58 games played, Vejmelka posted a career-best 2.58 GAA and a .904 save percentage as he carried Utah amidst a tightly contested playoff race down the stretch.
His reward?
Five years, $23.75 million dollars.
Full Story: Report: Utah Hockey Club Signs Karel Vejmelka, Veterans Ahead of NHL Deadline
“That’s a dream. If someone had told me that before, I wouldn’t have believed them…” Vejmelka told Forbes.
“That it will be on a new NHL team is a very wild dream that I honestly didn’t even have. It’s a fairy tale.”
What does Vejmelka think about Utah?
In somewhat of an unexpected manner, Vejmelka became a fan favorite in Utah seemingly overnight.
After his performance against the Hurricanes, vegetable heads and No. 70 sweaters began to spread throughout Delta Center as “Veggie!” chants became a nightly occurrence.
VEGGIE 🗣️ VEGGIE 🗣️
HOW DID HE STOP THAT?! pic.twitter.com/GLAGEs1Okt
— NHL (@NHL) March 11, 2025
For Vejmelka, that love, and appreciation still doesn’t always feel real.
“During games in Utah, they also sell not only team jerseys but also print specific people’s names on the back right at the stadium,” he told Forbes.
“When I get on the ice, I look around the stands, and when I see my jersey, I can hardly believe it.”
In addition to the magic he felt on the ice and in the arena, Vejmelka has also been enthralled by the nature and geography of Utah, often posting photos in the mountains on his social media.
“Utah is more European. I didn’t know much about Utah before, except that there are a lot of Mormons living there and that the capital is Salt Lake City,” Vejmelka told Forbes.
“It wasn’t until I moved that I discovered that it’s a small town in a valley between the mountains. There are specific people living there who have a philosophy of life based on having a lot of children. It’s kind of like a nation of its own. But 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’s the perfect destination for me.”
Now living a “fairy tale” in the “perfect destination” year two for the Mammoth will be yet another massive opportunity for Vejmelka.
On paper, the team is more talented, more experienced and better prepared to make the playoffs than they’ve been in recent years.
So, can the newly extended fan favorite remain consistent and drive his team into the postseason?
Time will tell.
But based on his performance last year, an improved roster and how much he loves his new home, Vejmelka appears poised to help usher in the first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff experience in Salt Lake City.
Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
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