As the 2025-26 hockey season moves past its midpoint, the Tucson Roadrunners are gearing up for a crucial February while the Utah Mammoth pause for the NHL’s Olympic break. Facing an ongoing injury crisis, the Roadrunners rely on reinforcements to maintain their playoff hopes in the American Hockey League (AHL) and are determined to capitalize on every opportunity.
During January, the Roadrunners compiled a 7-4-2 record, splitting their performances between home and away venues. Their balanced results (3-3-2 at home and 4-1-0 on the road) placed them seventh in the Pacific Division with a 19-15-8 overall standing. These statistics highlight a team navigating challenges but still fighting to climb the rankings as postseason play approaches.
January Matchups Highlight Roadrunners’ Efforts Across Home and Away Games
The Roadrunners’ schedule in January featured a heavy emphasis on home games as a buildup to the upcoming tight February schedule with limited Tucson Convention Center dates. The month kicked off with a strong road performance in Alberta against the Calgary Wranglers, where Tucson secured two decisive victories. Following this, the team contested six home games, aiming to maximize their home-ice advantage.
Later in the month, the Roadrunners embarked on a road trip to Henderson and San Diego before concluding January’s slate with two challenging matches at home versus the division-leading Colorado Eagles. Notably, the results showcased a series of competitive encounters, including three overtime wins and several tightly contested losses.
The detailed outcomes included wins over Calgary (5-2, 4-0), back-to-back overtime victories against Iowa (2-1, 5-4), a home win over San Jose (4-2), alongside tough overtime or one-goal losses to San Jose, San Diego, and Colorado. Despite the hard-fought contests, the fluctuating results underscored the team’s resilience amidst adversity.
Injury Plague Forces Roadrunners to Seek Support From Lower Ranks
The mounting injury toll severely tested the Roadrunners’ depth during January, with critical players sidelined due to health setbacks and NHL call-ups. The convergence of injuries and roster upheavals is a recognized challenge within AHL teams, who often lose personnel to parent NHL clubs. This dynamic has been acutely felt by Tucson as they coped with the absences of key contributors such as Michal Kunc, Artem Duda, Sam Lipkin, Terrell Goldsmith, Kevin Rooney, Austin Poganski, Julian Lutz, and Ty Tullio.
Adding to the difficulty, Dmitri Simashev was sidelined due to illness just as he was set to contribute at month’s end. Moreover, NHL roster adjustments, including Cameron Hebig’s call-ups and the trade of Juuso Välimäki, further thinned the Roadrunners’ ranks. These disruptions left only two of their top five scorers regularly available, significantly impacting team dynamics.
To address these shortages, the team recalled players from the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies, including Maxim Barbashev and Jack Ricketts, and signed Jalen Luypen to an AHL professional tryout agreement. Barbashev brought notable speed and relentless effort, while Ricketts contributed physicality and grit. Head coach Steve Potvin frequently paired these two on the fourth line, creating a noticeable impact whenever they were on the ice.
Potvin praised their commitment, stating,
“I think they’re really trying to do what they can to pour a lot of effort into their game,”
and added,
“I think if you’re uncomfortable, you’re on the right track. They were willing to put themselves in a position to be uncomfortable. They move their feet, and they’re digging in. Lack of a better word, they were trying to get lines. They’re good on the forecheck. They were good defensively.”
Luypen, although newer to the team, integrated well, earning a role on the second line alongside Ryan McGregor and Hebig. Despite only registering one assist over four games, his ability to set up teammates demonstrated his value in the lineup. Potvin noted that playing with Hebig made the transition smoother, praising Hebig as
“one of the easiest players to play with on the Roadrunners.”
The culmination of injuries peaked during the final January home games against the Colorado Eagles, when Ty Tullio had to exit due to injury. Even with half their roster affected, the Roadrunners maintained competitiveness, keeping games close and demonstrating remarkable resolve.
Montana Onyebuchi captured the team spirit succinctly:
“From coaches to management to players, we got a good culture and good group,”
he said.
“We have a next guy up mentality, and guys are ready to show up and play.”
The adaptability on display was further underscored by unconventional lineups, including Kevin Connauton‘s shifts to forward from defense, showcasing the entire group’s willingness to contribute wherever needed.
Coach Potvin expressed admiration for the collective effort, mentioning,
“It shows a lot of resilience. It’s impressive what they’re doing. I appreciate the guys who have come up and are looking for an opportunity and playing some significant minutes.”
Fortunately, management anticipates the gradual return of injured players starting in early February, with Simashev among the first to rejoin. Given his status as one of the team’s best performers this season, his return is expected to be a significant boost.
Dmitri Simashev Emerges as a Standout Talent Among Rookies
Dmitri Simashev has distinguished himself as a rising star within the Roadrunners and the wider Mammoth system. Despite being a rookie in North America, his performance has surpassed expectations, as reflected by his point totals and accolades. In just 20 games, Simashev tallied 20 points, tying him for the top-scoring defenseman on the team.
January proved particularly successful for Simashev, who scored 11 points that month, ranking him second among AHL rookies and third among all defensemen during the period. His playmaking and offensive contributions have drawn considerable attention.
Simashev’s consistent excellence earned him the Upper Deck AHL Rookie of the Month award for January and the honor of representing the Roadrunners at the upcoming AHL All-Star Weekend. Notably, he is only the third defenseman and ninth rookie in franchise history to receive this recognition, marking a significant milestone.
Coach Potvin reflected on this achievement,
“It’s quite an honor…I think everybody would appreciate that honor. It’s great for the players, and it’s great for the AHL. You can see the names and the list of guys that are now, currently in the NHL, or have been a part of the AHL and retired as NHL players. It’s obviously a huge honor, and it’s bright for their future.”
Simashev’s journey to this point has included stints in elite international leagues, including three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Despite his prior experience, he had never matched his current point production in either the KHL or brief NHL appearances, indicating growth during his time in Tucson.
Looking ahead, Simashev aims to refine his game further to secure a permanent role in the NHL. He recognizes physicality as a growth area, commenting,
“I think I need to play more of a physical game. Box out, finish checks. Sometimes, maybe I need to fight. That’s what the general manager told me, so I’ll work on my physical game. But of course, I want to get a point. Thank God I have a lot of points now, and I just have to keep going.”
His current return to the AHL for the Olympic break offers a valuable opportunity to continue developing before potentially rejoining the Mammoth in February. Participation in the All-Star Weekend will also contribute positively to his growth.
Roadrunners Experience Early January Momentum, Face Challenges as Month Ends
The beginning of January saw the Roadrunners build on a mini hot streak, having collected five points in three games and executing a sweep of the Calgary Wranglers. This surge helped propel Tucson back into playoff contention in the competitive Pacific Division.
The team maintained momentum, extending their point streak to seven games and overtaking teams like the Henderson Silver Knights to secure the final postseason spot. Achieving two series sweeps in January, after having only one in the prior three months, signified the Roadrunners were starting to find cohesion.
Coach Potvin recognized ongoing development, saying,
“We’ve been talking a little bit about you haven’t seen your best self yet. It’s about refinement. When you’re able to keep stacking games and shifts and learning from all of the scenarios that we’ve been through… you get to a better self and a better team. We tried to do what we could to keep refining and to stay in the moment and attack the day.”
Despite this optimism, the latter part of the month proved challenging. After the seven-game point streak, Tucson won just two of their final six games, with four being decided by a single goal margin, underscoring the razor-thin differences affecting playoff races.
Offensively, the team ranks fourth in the Pacific Division with goal production, but defensively they struggle, sitting eighth in goals against. The high number of injuries has contributed to defensive lapses and inconsistent penalty killing, which is currently tied for the worst in the AHL.
Improvements in special teams remain a priority, and the anticipated return of players like Simashev and Duda is expected to help, although recovery will require dedication beyond simply restoring personnel.
Julian Lutz emphasized the need for ongoing effort:
“We just need to keep going. Grow every day, step up every day. It starts with zero. I think we’ve grown a lot so far this season. But we can do way more damage than we did so far.”
Goaltending has also shown signs of progress. Matt Villalta holds a .900 save percentage, while Jaxson Stauber has recorded a .890 mark. Potvin highlighted their improvement, saying,
“They’ve been really solid for the last month. If you look at our record and how we’ve been playing, they’re obviously the two biggest factors. They’re starting to find some continuity within their relationship, and that’s positive to see. They’re trying to do what they can to support each other, and honestly, they’re playing some really good hockey, and they’re looking like NHL-type goalies.”
As February begins, the Roadrunners are acutely aware of the importance of collecting points to solidify their playoff positioning and gain ground over rivals like the Silver Knights, Wranglers, and Abbotsford Canucks. Last season’s playoffs hinged on a single win, a scenario Tucson hopes to avoid by a more substantial cushion this year. Earning a higher divisional seed and securing home-ice advantage in the postseason remain key objectives.
Potvin captured the competitive urgency, noting,
“The fight is real in the Pacific. It’s going to require that we maintain our composure no matter what happens, and find ways to, when you win, you don’t get too high. It’s like a playoff mentality, and if you lose, well, you have to get right back at it.”
Even players with NHL experience this season, like Simashev, emphasize the importance of postseason play.
“Everybody wants to play in the playoffs,”
he said.
“Our team and I talk to our head coach every time before every game, before every practice, talking about the playoffs. How important it is to play well, especially now.”
Record-Breaking Attendance Marks a Memorable Tucson Home Game
The Roadrunners’ success has extended beyond the ice, as demonstrated by record fan engagement. Their final January home game drew 6,137 spectators, the highest attendance in franchise history, setting a new standard for live support at the Tucson Convention Center.
The event coincided with Star Wars night, which traditionally attracts large crowds, but the sustained enthusiasm throughout the game was remarkable, particularly amid questions about the team’s future. Fans remained enthusiastic, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere, highlighted by Andrew Agozzino’s opening goal that elicited one of the loudest celebrations recorded.
Social media captured the buzz, with the organization tweeting,
“Tonight’s Tucson Roadrunners attendance: 6,137 fans. That is the highest attended game in franchise history.”
Agozzino’s goal itself became a viral highlight, further energizing the fanbase.
Looking ahead, the Roadrunners face a demanding February schedule, playing seven of nine games on the road due to the annual gem show occupying their home arena. Two home games against the Ontario Reign midway through the month will be key, featuring themed events like youth sports night and celebrations of team mascot Dusty’s birthday.
Coach Potvin views the extensive road trip positively:
“You’ve got some time to be back with your family, or at least in your home, and what you’re used to. We’ll be able to practice in Chandler and here, and on the road. But being on the road is sometimes where you build the best bonds, and you start to learn a little bit more about each other, and you start to see those relationships just start to really grow. It’s a positive thing for us. It’s good for us to get out there.”
The start of March will continue on the road, presenting a critical test for Tucson as injured players return, including Daniil But and Simashev. This stretch could determine the team’s standing and momentum entering the final phase of the regular season.
Highlight Reel Goals Demonstrate Roadrunners’ Skill and Adaptability
January featured several standout goals for the Roadrunners, often in clutch situations. Notable moments include Sammy Walker’s late-game goal to force overtime against the Henderson Silver Knights, Ben McCartney’s overtime winner in that same game, Lleyton Moore’s shootout clincher against the San Diego Gulls, and game-winning efforts by McCartney and Kevin Rooney in tight contests.
However, the goal of the month belongs to a power-play sequence from January 17 against the San Jose Barracuda. Maksymilian Szuber received a pass from Cameron Hebig and used his speed to cause a turnover among the Barracuda defense. In a swift display of precise passing, Szuber moved the puck to Austin Poganski, who in turn passed to Noel Nordh, who scored with a clean shot.
This sequence not only highlighted the individual speed and skill of Szuber, Poganski, and Nordh but also exemplified the Roadrunners’ effective man-advantage execution. The play was celebrated as a “masterpiece” by the team’s official social media channels.
January Brings Milestones and Player Movements Amid Team Struggles
Despite roster challenges, Tucson players achieved multiple personal milestones throughout January. Cameron Hebig recorded his 200th career point on January 12, and Ben McCartney surpassed previous season highs in goals, assists, and points. His 41 points this season propelled him to third all-time in franchise scoring, trailing only Hebig by 18 points.
Austin Poganski also climbed into the team’s top 10 by points, surpassing Brayden Burke, with just four points needed to tie Laurent Daulphin for ninth place. Jack Ricketts made his AHL debut on January 21, while Simashev’s selection for the AHL All-Star Game and Rookie of the Month honors added to the list of achievements.
Roster adjustments were frequent as the team managed injuries and NHL transactions. Highlights include Villalta returning to Tucson on January 1, Dylan Wells being sent back to the Utah Grizzlies, multiple recalls and returns involving players like Juuso Välimäki, Kevin Rooney, Cameron Hebig, and the signing of Jalen Luypen to a PTO.
Upcoming Schedule Demands Focus and Resilience from Roadrunners
February will test the Roadrunners’ mettle, with a tough road-heavy schedule already underway, including a recent loss to the Ontario Reign followed by a sweep of the Calgary Wranglers. The team will observe a break for the AHL All-Star Game before returning to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds twice, then hosting the Reign for their only two home games this month.
The final games in February involve road contests against the San Diego Gulls and San Jose Barracuda, extending a critical period where the Roadrunners hope to strengthen their playoff positioning. Special events during home games, such as youth sports night and mascot Dusty’s birthday, are expected to enhance fan engagement during this limited Tucson schedule.
The Roadrunners remain committed to overcoming their injury adversity and leveraging new additions, aiming to secure a stable playoff berth and set the stage for a strong postseason showing.
Dmitri Simashev brings it within one! pic.twitter.com/1xXkmPUGPS
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 25, 2026
Tonight’s Tucson Roadrunners attendance: 6,137 fans.
That is the highest attended game in franchise history.#TusksUp #LetsGoTucson pic.twitter.com/172pxLTqRq
— Chase Beardsley (@ChaseBeardsley_) February 1, 2026
Andrew AGOALZZINO pic.twitter.com/9RkuosW9xG
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) February 1, 2026
What a setup, what a goal, what a MASTERPIECE pic.twitter.com/3W4e5QCDiw
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 18, 2026
