SALT LAKE CITY – While Vincent Trocheck has yet to play a game for his new club after being acquired by the Utah Mammoth via trade this summer, that hasn’t stopped the veteran forward from finding ways to insert himself into the community.
Amidst his move from New York City to Salt Lake City, Trocheck has already taken the time to mentor Utah native and projected 2027 first-round pick Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll.
Per his Instagram, projected first round pick for the 2027 NHL draft & Utah native Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll has committed to the University of Michigan. pic.twitter.com/MHN4hcv5dq
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) August 25, 2026
Before announcing his commitment to the University of Michigan on Tuesday morning, 17-year-old and Medicine Hat forward Gordon-Carroll had enjoyed some rest with family and friends
But once it was time to begin training again for the upcoming season, the young forward promptly returned to the ice which included a handful of skates with several members of the Utah Mammoth.
“I’ve skated with some of the Mammoth guys,” Gordon-Carroll told KSL Sports. “It was super cool and super fun. It was awesome to learn from them.”
“Honestly, Trocheck kind of had me under his wing. I got to learn a lot of things from him just in that tiny span of time.”
So, what exactly did they work on?
All of the elite net front skills that enticed the Mammoth to trade for Trocheck this offseason.
“It was just the little things,” Gordon-Carroll said. “We worked on tipping pucks in front of the net; he talked to me about how to screen the goalie, little head movements I could use.”
“We talked about how different we shoot catching off of our forehand. It was just little stuff like that.”
In addition to all of Trocheck’s advice, Gordon-Carroll also had an opportunity to shoot on Utah’s newest goaltender, Sebastian Cossa.
“He is big,” he added. “He takes up all of the net. I don’t think I scored on him more than once. He’s got a big frame, but he can also move really well.”
“It’s hard to get him on the five hole. He’s so big that he blocks everything. He’s a stud and he’s a great dude too. I love talking to him.”
As the young forward prepares for his final season in Medicine Hat before his draft year next summer, these skates have simply been invaluable.
As a 17-year-old attempting to get drafted in the first round of the 2027 NHL draft, these small details could allow him to take his game to the next level.
“Honestly, it’s just the experience,” Gordon-Carroll told KSL Sports. “I want to be where they are right now. That’s my dream. So as much as I can possibly learn from them, watch them.”
“I have tons of respect for them but I’m also a hockey player trying to get drafted, so I’ve got to compete and try to beat them at some drills. It was an unreal experience.”
Now back with his junior club, the Utah native will begin his final season with the Tigers on September 18.
Gordon-Carroll will then prepare for the 2027 NHL Draft before beginning his collegiate career at the University of Michigan that fall.
