DENVER – For as impactful as the Colorado Mammoth’s 2025 rookie class was, the first-year talents were rarely responsible for deciding the outcome of any one game.
They produced effective shifts, helped set teammates up for success and displayed plenty of encouraging elements their own right, but outside forward Braedon Saris, the rooks only combined for a handful of tallies and helpers as they assimilated to the pace of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
All things considered, the rookie class was primarily comprised of defensive, if not transition-forward players, so it’s not that crazy they were mainly shining in assisting roles, if anything.
But when we zoom in on a crucial 14-12 midseason victory over the San Diego Seals, it’s hard not to think back to rookie defenseman Dylan Hess’s pair of STUNNING goals.
Fans have gotten used to seeing the likes of Ryan Lee and Will Malcom and Jack Hannah, etc. etc. etc. create highlight reel finishes each season. But after seeing the big-bodied No. 88 slam a few home in epic, high-flying fashion to help secure a huge win at the LOUD HOUSE last year, we’re putting stock into a trucker like Hess.
Known more for his physical style of play, he still managed eight total points (2g, 6a) throughout his 18 games player, joining fellow rookie back-ender Connor Nock as the only two Mammoth rookies to draw into each of the team’s regular season showdowns.
RELATED: Defenseman Connor Nock Looks the Part Throughout Rookie Lap Around NLL
Adding 60 loose balls, 12 caused turnovers, three blocked shots and just four penalty minutes despite being a regular, dominating defensive force, he’s the type of big-bodied D guy that Head Coach Pat Coyle and Defensive Coordinator Andrew McBride believe in.
Having the wheels and finishing power to excel in the box world are just the cherries on top.
Perhaps the best part of Hess’s vibe: He remains dedicated to learning and improving, despite being a few years older, if not more experienced, than some of the team’s other former first-year talents.
Originally drafted by Colorado during the sixth round (73rd overall) of the 2024 NLL Entry Draft, Hess opted into his final year of collegiate eligibility at the University of Florida before making some noise early into the Mammoth’s 2025 Training Camp sessions.
After sustaining a lower-body injury during an early-season contest participating with his Philadelphia Waterdogs of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), Hess has spent the remainder of his 2026 summer in recovery mode but is primed to be present at the team’s 2026 Colorado Mammoth Training Camp this fall, with his return to play timeline to be determined.
Mammoth fans can stay tuned to coloradomammoth.com and Colorado Mammoth social media channels for the latest news, transactions and beyond!
