Lundell’s stunning mid-air deflection secured a thrilling last-minute victory for the Panthers Wednesday in Utah.
The Florida Panthers kicked off a four-game road trip on Wednesday night against the Utah Mammoth.
Florida played a strong game in a hostile barn, picking up a late goal and skating away with two points after defeating Utah 4-3.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
In what was an evenly matched opening period, it was the Mammoth who got on the scoreboard first.
Dulan Guenther got behind the Panthers defense and beat Sergei Bobrovsky on a breakaway to make it 1-0 Utah at the 11:23 mark.
Florida tied things up just before the game hit the first intermission when Carter Verhaeghe deflected a perfect backdoor pass from Aaron Ekblad past Karel Vejmelka with 42.2 left in the period.
A pair of Sam Bennett goals one minute and forty-four seconds apart gave the Cats a 3-1 lead early in the second period.
The first Bennett goal came on a rush when he ripped a wrist shot past Vejmelka exactly 100 seconds into the middle frame, then Bennett scored after forcing a Nate Schmidt turnover in Utah’s zone, then finishing the play after a great pass by Verhaeghe.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Just 13 seconds later, Guenther got in behind Florida’s defense again, and just like the first time he beat Bobrovsky on a breakaway, cutting Florida’s newfound two-goal lead in half.
The Mammoth tied the game with just over five minutes left in the period when Jack McBain took advantage of some pre-shot contact with Bobrovsky and shot the puck into an empty half of the net.
That’s how the score would remain until the final minute of the game.
With the puck along the right-side boards, Sam Reinhart threw the puck toward the net, where Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen were trying to get open.
The puck deflected off Luostarinen at the near post and traveled past the net, but Lundell reached out with his stick and batted the puck out of midair and back toward the net, past a sprawling Vejmelka and into the cage.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
With 51.4 left on the clock, that would be the game-winner for Lundell, his first of the season.
While Lundell will get the flowers, it was the brilliance of Bobrovsky that kept Florida in striking distance.
Bob finished with 27 saves, including 11 on high-danger shots by the Mammoth.
The win was a third straight for Florida, matching a season-high set all the way back during the first three games on the schedule.
We’ll see if they can make it four straight on Thursday night.
Photo caption: Dec 10, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) takes a shot on Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) during the first period at Delta Center. (Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
Getting trapped in quicksand is a corny peril of old movies and TV shows, but it really did happen to one unfortunate hiker in Utah’s Arches National Park. The park famous for dozens of natural, …
Getting trapped in quicksand is a corny peril of old movies and TV shows, but it really did happen to one unfortunate hiker in Utah’s Arches National Park.
The park famous for dozens of natural, sandstone arches gets over 1 million visitors a year, and accidents ranging from falls to heat stroke are common.
Quicksand? Not really — but it has happened at least a couple of times now.
“The wet sand just kind of flows back in. It’s kind of a never-ending battle,” said John Marshall, who helped a woman stuck in quicksand over a decade ago and coordinated the latest rescue.
On Sunday, an experienced hiker, whose identity wasn’t released, was traversing a small canyon on the second day of a 20-mile (32-kilometer) backpacking trip when he sank up to his thigh, according to Marshall.
Unable to free himself, the hiker activated an emergency satellite beacon. His message got forwarded to Grand County emergency responders and Marshall got the call at 7:15 a.m..
“I was just rolling out of bed,” Marshall said. “I’m scratching my head, going, ‘Did I hear that right? Did they say quicksand?’”
He put his boots on and rendezvoused with a team that set out with all-terrain vehicles, a ladder, traction boards, backboards and a drone. Soon, Marshall had a bird’s-eye view of the situation.
5 MIN READ
1 MIN READ
1 MIN READ
Through the drone camera he saw a park ranger who’d tossed the man a shovel. But the quicksand flowed back as soon as the backpacker shoveled it away, Marshall said.
Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel.
The Grand County Search and Rescue team positioned the ladder and boards near the backpacker and slowly worked his leg loose. By then he’d been standing in near-freezing muck, in temperatures in the 20s (negative 6 to negative 1 Celsius), for a couple of hours.
Rescuers warmed him up until he could stand, then walk. He then hiked out on his own, even carrying his backpack, Marshall said.
Quicksand is dangerous but it’s a myth total submersion is the main risk, said Marshall.
“In quicksand you’re extremely buoyant,” he said. “Most people won’t sink past their waist in quicksand.”
Marshall is more or less a quicksand expert.
In 2014, he was a medic who helped a 78-year-old woman after she was stuck for over 13 hours in the same canyon just 2 miles (3 kilometers) from where Sunday’s rescue took place.
The woman’s book club got worried when she missed their meeting. They went looking for her and found her car at a trailhead. It was June — warmer than Sunday but not sweltering in the canyon’s shade — and the woman made a full recovery after regaining use of her legs.
The first-of-its-kind agreement could set a new precedent as universities seek competitive edges in college athletics’ revenue-sharing era …
The University of Utah is finalizing a landmark private equity partnership that would be the first of its kind in college athletics. Utah is set to enter an agreement with New York-based firm Otro Capital that will help generate an estimated $500 million for the school, it announced on Tuesday. The deal is expected to be finalized in early 2026.
Utah received clearance from the NCAA to enter the partnership, according to Yahoo Sports. It must abide by certain stipulations to remain an NCAA member, though. For instance, university president Taylor Randall and athletic director Mark Harlan must retain majority decision-making control.
With the groundbreaking deal comes the creation of a for-profit entity, Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC, which will exist as an independent offshoot of the athletic department co-owned by the university and Otro Capital. The school will be the majority owner and possess decision-making authority (including on schedules, coaches and other pertinent factors) while Otro Capital earns a percentage of the company’s annual revenue.
The agreement comes with an exit strategy five to seven years down the line, and the university possesses the right to purchase Otro Capital’s ownership stake.
Utah Brands & Entertainment will oversee the revenue-sharing efforts with Utes athletes. Harlan is set to chair its board, which will elect a president from outside the university. Personnel, divisions and operations that were traditionally under the athletic department’s umbrella will largely exist as part of the new company.
Donors will also be able to purchase stakes in Utah Brands & Entertainment. Between the investments from donors and a nine-figure deal with Otro Capital, Utah could raise more than $500 million, setting itself up for sustained success in the revenue-sharing era of college athletics.
Utah becomes first school to embrace private equity
The House v. NCAA case paved the way for private equity to enter college athletics, and as soon as the parties agreed in 2024 to settle, schools and conferences began to investigate opportunities in that realm. But even six months after the settlement was finalized, none had secured deals. Utah is the first to ink a partnership with a capital firm, and it will surely not be the last. As universities and leagues seek first-mover advantages and guarantees of long-term success in the rapidly changing college athletics landscape, more figure to follow Utah’s lead.
Florida Statewas among the first schools to consider private equity investments, but nothing came of the idea. Entire conferences later brought proposals to the table. The Big 12 considered an option that could have raised up to $1 billion for the league in exchange for 20% ownership but decided against it. The Big Ten is in the middle of similar discussions, but not all of its schools are on board with what could be a $2 billion deal.
The more revenue a school’s athletic department generates, the more it can allocate to its athletes. That is the new reality in the post-House settlement era. With deeper pockets comes a greater ability to recruit and retain talent and, thus, to compete for championships. If Utah’s model proves successful, private equity investments will almost certainly become far more common in the years to come.
The Utah congressional map must be redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterms, a judge has ruled. CBS News’ Hunter Woodall explains.
Howard Stern dug up old footage to refute a claim made by Kim Kardashian, in which she accused him of casting doubt on the authenticity of her 2016 robbery. On the latest episode of The Kardashians, the reality star, 45, recalled the shock jock “was famously mocking it all the time and saying that I […]
The University of Utah has announced a plan to help the athletic department generate new revenue streams, in part through a first-of-its-kind partnership with a private equity firm. The school …
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The University of Utah has announced a plan to help the athletic department generate new revenue streams, in part through a first-of-its-kind partnership with a private equity firm.
The school announced Tuesday the formation of Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC, which will be owned by the university’s foundation. It’s being touted as a way to built the school’s brand and enhance the athletic programs. The new company could generate around $500 million in capital, according to Yahoo Sports.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
In a joint message, school president Taylor Randall and athletic director Mark Harlan spelled out the groundwork, saying the university will transfer some of its revenue-generating operations from athletics and auxiliary services to Utah Brands & Entertainment.
Through the new entity, the school will build its brand. That will include overseeing corporate sponsorships, ticketing, event-related revenues and campus-wide university trademarks and licensing.
The new business model has the backing of the university’s board of trustees and the deal could be finalized by early next year. The school added it plans to partner with prominent university supporters along with Otro Capital, a private equity firm with a sports and entertainment background.
The inclusion of private equity is a first in college sports, and it follows seismic changes in the industry, with players able to earn money from their name, image and likeness and receive direct payments from schools.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Importantly, the university is not selling parts of our athletics department, ceding operational control to a third party or relinquishing control of any facilities,” Randall and Harlan wrote to the Utah community. “Decisions regarding sports, coaches, scheduling, operations, student-athlete care and other athletics matters will remain solely with the athletics department. … The university’s foundation will appoint a majority of the board of directors of Utah Brands & Entertainment, and the board will be chaired by the athletics director.”
The message from Randall and Harlan said that “as the world of college athletics continues to shift, this step positions us to remain competitive, innovative and firmly aligned with our academic mission, while continuing to unite our community through the power of Utah athletics.”
Utah reportedly enters landmark private equity agreement raising half a billion dollars originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The …
The University of Utah is finalizing a private equity partnership that would be the first of its kind in college athletics.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Utes administration is set to enter into an agreement with New York-based firm Otro Capital that will help generate an estimated $500 million for the school, per an announcement Tuesday. The deal is expected to be finalized early next year. This was cleared by the NCAA, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.
Utah President Taylor Randall and Athletic Director Mark Harlan must reportedly retain majority decision-making control to remain compliant in the deal, at least in this case, per NCAA rules.
With the groundbreaking deal comes the creation of a for-profit entity, Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC, which will exist as an independent entity from Utah’s athletic department. It will be a co-owned venture by the university and Otro Capital.
UB&E will oversee the revenue-sharing efforts with Utes athletes. Harlan will be acting chair of its board. There will be a president added from outside the university in the coming weeks. Between the investments from donors and a nine-figure deal with Otro Capital, Utah could raise more than $500 million, showing a model of sustained success in the revenue-sharing era of college athletics.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Utah becomes the first school to embrace private equity. The university is also the first to ink a partnership with a capital firm. However, expect this trend to continue in college athletics. The rapidly changing landscape will allow more creative ways to boost revenue. This is an essential change and will be watched closely for proof of concept.
Entire conferences brought proposals to the table. According to CBS Sports, the Big 12 considered an option that could have raised up to $1 billion for the league in exchange for 20% ownership but decided against it. The Big Ten is in the middle of similar discussions, but not all of its schools are on board with what could be a $2 billion deal.
The more revenue a school’s athletic department generates, the more it can allocate to its athletes. That is the new reality in the wake of the House settlement.
If Utah’s model proves successful, private equity investments will almost certainly be used often by many universities.
University of Utah Health this year achieved record research funding totals, surpassing the half-billion mark for 2025, reaching $531 million.
University of Utah Health has amassed record research funding totals, surpassing the half-billion mark for 2025, reaching $531 million.
“Securing competitive funding is essential to the University of Utah’s mission of delivering exceptional societal impact. These investments fuel research, advance knowledge, improve health in Utah and worldwide and support the training of future scientific leaders,” the U. said in a statement.
The National Institutes of Health was once again the largest source of funding support, providing $264.1 million.
That chunk comes despite the NIH cutting billions of dollars in research projects under the Trump administration, a move U. President Taylor Randall described in February as an “imminent threat” to the university’s mission as a research institution.
Bob Carter, senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of University of Utah Health, said, “Research, innovation and advancing knowledge is an uncompromising part of who we are as an institution, a culture and a nation,” when the cuts were announced.
Challenges to NIH’s attempted cuts to funds known as “indirect costs” of medical research are currently making their way through the courts.
Carter added that in Utah, National Institutes of Health funding supports over 45,000 jobs and nearly $785 million in economic activity.
Still, the U. secured the bulk of its funding from the NIH, with industry partnerships making up the second-largest funding category at $99 million.
Other federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Defense contributed $57.4 million, and additional contributions from the state, other universities and various foundations totaled $110.7 million.
Dr. Rachel Hess, system chief research officer for University of Utah Health, said faculty submitted $2.3 billion in research proposals in 2025 — a $500 million increase compared to the previous year and a testament to the perseverance of the research community.
Notably, research in the health sciences sector continued its rise, growing 24% over the past five years and more than doubling since 2014.
This year, health sciences funding accounted for 68% of the university’s total research portfolio that totaled $782 million, the university said.
Utah was one of GoFundMe ‘s most generous states of 2025, the global crowdfunding platform revealed Tuesday. The Beehive State ranked 10th in the company’s 2025 Year in Help report, which analyzed …
Utah was one of GoFundMe‘s most generous states of 2025, the global crowdfunding platform revealed Tuesday.
The Beehive State ranked 10th in the company’s 2025 Year in Help report, which analyzed data from Dec. 4, 2024, to Dec. 2 of this year. Utah’s ranking was calculated based on the percentage of repeat donors.
California was the nation’s most generous state.
The report also listed some of Utah’s most notable fundraisers from the past year. One raised over $438,000 for the family of late Utah fashion designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was killed during the June “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City, while another generated more than $80,000 to give an 8-month-old baby who was killed in a West Valley City shooting a “proper farewell.”
Here’s how Utah showed up in 2025:
• Utahns made more than 330,000 donations to individuals and nonprofits through GoFundMe.
• Donations exceeded $30.7 million.
• Fundraisers for charities increased by nearly 2.5 times.
• The categories of Charity, Competitions and Monthly Bills were the fastest-growing in 2025.
• GoFundMe’s most generous donor is from Utah — an individual who gave more than 1,200 times.
• Fundraisers to help Utah businesses grew by 25%.
Here are the 10 most generous states, according to GoFundMe’s report:
The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-5) have accepted an invitation to play in the 2025 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-5) are playing in the postseason for the second year in a row. The Huskers have accepted an invitation to play in the 2025 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl.
Nebraska will face the Utah Utes (10-2) at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
This is Nebraska’s first-ever appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl and the 55th bowl game in school history. The Huskers are 27-27 all-time in the postseason.
This will be the fifth time that Nebraska and Utah have played. The Huskers are 4-0 with all four games taking place at Memorial Stadium.
Utah enters the game with one of the top offenses in the nation. The Utes rank second in the nation in scoring offense at 41.1 points per game and sixth in the nation in total offense with an average of 478.6 yards per game.
The rushing offense averages 269.8 yards per game and 6.1 yards per carry. The Utes will face a Nebraska defense that struggled against the run this season, surrendering 171.2 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
The Utah delegates arrived in Lima early Friday, a bit bleary-eyed — but with clear vision of the possibilities from the unique business trip.
Delta Flight 193 marks the first time an airline is offering nonstop commercial flights from Salt Lake City to a South American destination — even while signaling emerging market momentum between Peru and Utah.
Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, left, networks with Peruvian trade mission participant and World Trade Center Utah CEO and President Jonathan Freedman, far right, during Dec. 5, 2025, reception in Lima, Peru. | Jason Swensen, Deseret News
“This is an opportunity to do what’s best for Utah,” Utah House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, told the Deseret News.
“I’m happy to be here in Peru with the World Trade Center Utah (WTC-Utah) and others to have these conversations and to make it a more intimate partnership.”
There’s already a long list of export/import items waiting to be better developed through strengthened partnerships — including agricultural products such as blueberries, asparagus, mangos, cacao and coffee, according to WTC-Utah President and CEO Jonathan Freedman.
The Utah delegation is also hoping to optimize opportunities in Peru in mining areas such as critical minerals, mining equipment and explosives and textiles such as high-quality Pima cotton being harvested in Peru.
Logistically, Peru also offers a prized supply chain advantage. Time-sensitive products can be shipped from the western South American nation to the U.S. West Coast in four days, port to port.
Bipartisan lawmakers to Peruvians: ‘Utah’s open for business’
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, center, is honored by Peru’s Congress on Dec. 5, 2025, in Lima, Peru. He stands between Peruvian lawmakers Fernando Rospigliosi, left, and Eduardo Salhuana, right. | Jonathan Freedman
Romero is joined here by a politically diverse group of Utah lawmakers — including Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, and others.
Meanwhile, Jefferson Moss from the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity also traveled to Peru on Delta Flight 193.
The Utah/Peruvian business trip, noted Romero, “is really important to my constituency where people of color are the majority — and 50% of my district is Latino.
“Many of those people within my district own small businesses, so I wanted them to know I’m just as invested in them. … The message I want to send here (in Peru) is: We’re here. We’re a community. We work together.”
At a reception Friday in Lima’s bustling San Isidro business district, the Utah delegation networked across a crowded reception room filled with Peruvian government and business officials.
Joan Perkins, the chargé d’affaires at the United States Embassy in Peru, saluted the Beehive State visitors.
“Your presence underscores Utah’s commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations — which is really important to us at the embassy — in building commercial partnerships and expanding mutual economic opportunities.”
A “Peru” holiday display greets visitors to the Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru, on Dec. 6, 2025. | Josefina Muñoz Swensen for the
Perkins noted that next May the two nations will celebrate their bicentennial of bilateral relationships. Aviation has long been a key link fortifying those connections.
Now Delta’s new SLC-Lima flight marks another leap forward.
“Lima has been a sought-after destination for travelers connecting through Salt Lake City — and the launch of this nonstop service fills a very important gap,” said Perkins.
“The direct connection is going to make it easier than ever before for business and leisure travelers to connect through the Western United States — including people traveling from cities like San Francisco, Portland, Denver and Las Vegas, to reach Peru with efficient one-stop connections.”
Approximately 600,000 U.S. citizens travel to Peru each year — the Andean nation’s second-largest source of tourists.
“This (Delta flight) collaboration is so important because it opens the door to increased commerce and investment between our countries,” said Perkins.
“This launch also reinforces the impact of the U.S. private sector and how it has the power to shape partnerships and generate mutual economic prosperity.”
Linking two hubs: Salt Lake City and Lima
Nighttime image of the San Isidro section of Lima, Peru. | Josefina Muñoz Swensen for the
Juan Pablo Guerrero of Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs office said the new Delta flight and the Utah trade delegation tells the story of two hubs.
“Salt Lake City is positioning itself as an economic, technological and logistics hub in the Western United States — just as Lima has become a key hub for trade within South America and between South America and Asia,” Guerrero said.
Peru, the U.S. and Utah share fundamental values such as democracy, hard work, free trade, the rule of law and perhaps most importantly, strong people-to-people ties across the Americas, added Guerrero.
Utahns, including many from the Latter-day Saint community, have demonstrated solidarity with Peru over many years — especially in times of need.
“As we explore a concrete path to expand trade and investment through mutually beneficial initiatives in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, energy and tourism, Peru firmly believes there is significant potential to deepen business relations between our leading companies,” he added.
Guerrero also pointed to the recent opening of Peru’s consulate general in Salt Lake City as “a clear expression of our commitment to strengthening political and economic and social engagement at a higher level, reflecting the importance we attach to our ties with Utah.”
Peru’s Congress lauds Utah’s Senate leader
Utah’s ranking state senator, Adams, thanked Delta for launching Salt Lake City’s first-ever direct commercial flight to South America — and for the welcome the Utahns received during their Peru trip by legislative counterparts in the Peruvian government.
Adams was honored Friday by the Peruvian Congress.
Fernando Rospigliosi, Peru’s acting President of Congress, presented Utah’s Senate president with the Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic in the rank of Grand Cross for his civic service and work to strengthen global partnerships.
The honor is awarded to Peruvians and international figures such as heads of state making significant contributions to culture, politics or development.
In his remarks, Adams noted “a different feeling” during his first visit to this South American nation.
“Being in Peru is different,” he said. “I’ve been able to feel a spirit here that is different. I’m so glad I came because there’s a spirit here that reminds me a lot of Utah.”
Adams then touted Utah, saying it has “the best business environment of all 50 states.”
The state, he said, offers global opportunities in mining and critical mineral and other economic endeavors.
Both Peru and Utah, he added, boast natural beauty that draw tourists from across the globe.
“We have five national parks in Utah. People come from all over the world to see those parks. But Peru is also beautiful — and Utahns and people in the Western United States want to come here.
“Because of this flight, people will be able to come to Utah from South America — and from South America to Utah.”
‘Building bridges between Utah and the world’
A heroic-sized statue of Peruvian liberator José de San Martín presides over San Martín Square in Lima, Peru, on Dec. 6, 2025. | Josefina Muñoz Swensen for the
In his remarks, Moss noted the bipartisan collection of Utah lawmakers connecting with their Peruvian counterparts. He said Utahns are committed to working together to make the world a better place.
“And we feel a similar environment when we come to Peru,” he said.
Utah’s economy, added Moss, is the best in the nation — citing data provided by U.S. News & World Report.
“Over the last three years in a row, Utah has been ranked No. 1,” he said. “We’re the youngest economy. We’re the fastest economy. There are a number of factors that make Utah a really good place to do business.”
World Trade Center Utah chief Freedman said the Salt Lake City-based organization “builds bridges between Utah and the world.”
He also noted that Utah’s government leaders — including those represented in the Peruvian trade mission delegation — make it easy to do business.
Freedman thanked Delta for their historic call to offer the SLC-to-Lima direct flight. That flight will benefit tourists and individuals doing business in those respective communities. But that flight also created new opportunities for shipping freight.
“(We) saw today blueberries and grapes and asparagus and mangoes all get loaded onto that first nonstop Delta flight to Salt Lake City,” said Freedman.
“We are thrilled to have Peruvian produce in Utah.”
Such cargo shipments, he added, also produce a “magnifying effect” — benefiting both communities.
“Because we have other Delta nonstops from Utah, those blueberries are going to, say, Amsterdam. That asparagus is going to Paris. Those mangoes are going to Seoul, Korea,” said Freedman.
“We connect throughout North America, Asia, Europe. Delta and Utah are helping Peruvian companies expand their footprint globally.”
While scanning the collection of Peruvian and Utah government and business leaders gathered together, Sandall marveled at the possibilities that await.
“Fifteen to 20% of our population in Utah speak Spanish — and that’s important,” said Sandall, who learned the language while serving a Latter-day Saint mission in Venezuela.
“We want to be partners. We want to connect in 8½ hours. We want to do this thing. … We’re ready to do business.”
