Utah’s new NHL franchise has released a survey that lists 20 different team names that fans will be able to vote on.
According to an ESPN report, Frost, Ice, Powder, Mountaineers, Freeze, Mammoth, Black Diamonds, Blast, Caribou, Blizzard, Swarm, Hive, Outlaws, Yeti, Squall, Fury, Glaciers, Canyons, Venom and HC (Hockey Club) were the team names that were included in the survey.
Ryan Smith, the owner of Utah’s new NHL franchise, announced that the team’s jerseys will say “Utah” on the front of them for the duration of the 2024-25 season. The new team, along with its logo and colors, will be unveiled for the 2025-26 season.
It’s expected that there will be multiple rounds of voting for a new team name given the large list of potential names.
Smith, who also owns the NBA’s Utah Jazz, bought the Arizona Coyotes from Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion in April. Upon purchasing the Coyotes, Smith announced that the team would be relocating to Salt Lake City and begin play in 2024-25.
The Coyotes had called Arizona home since 1996 when the Winnipeg Jets relocated to the Phoenix area. However, the Coyotes saw their lease at the Footprinter Center come to an end, and had been playing their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State.
The new Utah NHL team will play its home games at the Delta Center, which is the home of the Jazz.
The team held a fan event last month in which they introduced the fanbase to many of the team’s players. Utah has already seemed to fall in love with the Utah NHL franchise as there are already 23,000 people who have paid season-ticket deposits following the move to Salt Lake City.
When the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday, the Utah NHL franchise just used an NHL logo along with the word “Utah” as its logo. Utah obtained the No. 6 pick in next month’s NHL Draft, which will take place in Las Vegas.
The Coyotes registered a 36-41-5 record (77 points) during the 2023-24 season.
The NHL is expanding, and Utah is set to welcome a new franchise to the league. As part of the process of establishing the team, a survey has been conducted to gather input from fans on what the new team’s name should be. Some of the options being considered include Mammoth, Frost, Yeti, and Glaciers.
The survey is an important step in the branding and identity of the new team. The name of a sports team can have a significant impact on its fan base and overall success. It is crucial to choose a name that resonates with the local community and represents the values and spirit of the team.
The option of Mammoth pays homage to the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area that is now Utah. Mammoths are iconic symbols of strength and resilience, qualities that are often associated with successful sports teams.
Frost evokes images of cold, icy landscapes, which could be a nod to Utah’s winter sports culture. It also conveys a sense of coolness and sophistication, qualities that could appeal to a younger demographic.
Yeti is a mythical creature that is said to inhabit the snowy mountains of the Himalayas. Choosing this name would give the team a mysterious and adventurous vibe, which could attract fans who are drawn to stories of the unknown.
Lastly, Glaciers brings to mind images of massive ice formations, symbolizing power and endurance. This name could represent the team’s commitment to excellence and its determination to succeed in the competitive world of professional sports.
Ultimately, the decision on the team’s name will be based on a combination of fan feedback, market research, and branding considerations. The survey results will play a crucial role in determining which name best resonates with the community and sets the tone for the new franchise’s future success. Fans can look forward to seeing their input reflected in the final choice of the team’s name as it prepares to make its mark in the NHL.
