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Utah’s NHL Team Ownership Seeks Fan Input for New Name Selection
Recently, ownership of the NHL team in Utah has presented fans with an exciting opportunity to participate in the selection of the franchise’s new name. This initiative, spearheaded by Smith Entertainment Group, offers supporters a list of 20 potential names to choose from through a survey distributed on Wednesday.
Opportunities for Fan Engagement
The survey includes a diverse range of options such as Frost, Ice, Powder, Mountaineers, Freeze, Mammoth, Black Diamonds, Blast, Caribou, Blizzard, Swarm, Hive, Outlaws, Yeti, Squall, Fury, Glaciers, Canyons, Venom, and HC (which signifies Hockey Club). This extensive selection aims to capture the essence of the team’s identity and resonate with the local community.
Owner Ryan Smith has emphasized the importance of incorporating Utah into the team’s name, reflecting a strong sense of regional pride. The forthcoming inaugural season will showcase jerseys featuring the state’s name, with a comprehensive rebranding effort, including a new name, logo, and colors, set to debut during the 2025-26 season following collaboration with the branding agency Doubleday & Cartwright.
Community-Centric Approach
Smith underscored the team’s significance as a community asset and expressed a desire to involve fans in the naming process. Recognizing the unwavering support received from Utah since the NHL awarded the franchise less than three weeks ago, Smith views fan engagement in the naming decision as a unique opportunity for supporters to shape the identity of the team they will passionately cheer for.
Voting will remain open until May 22, with the potential for additional rounds to further refine the selection process, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and transparency in decision-making.
Transition and Enhancements for a New Era
Smith Entertainment Group recently acquired the Arizona Coyotes from former owner Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion, signaling a significant shift as the team prepares for relocation to Salt Lake City. The Utah-based team will call the downtown arena, Delta Center, home, with plans underway to optimize the venue for hockey matches.
Anticipated enhancements include the construction of a dedicated hockey locker room and the installation of 12,000 unobstructed seats tailored for hockey games next season, underscoring a commitment to providing an immersive and fan-friendly experience for spectators.
Utah’s selection of the sixth pick in the NHL draft, following the recent lottery results where the San Jose Sharks secured the top spot, sets the stage for additional developments and strategic player acquisitions in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the collaboration between ownership, fans, and the broader community exemplifies a shared dedication to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive sports culture in Utah, centered around the excitement and anticipation surrounding the NHL team’s new identity.
The Associated Press contributed to the original report.
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