Smith Entertainment Group asks fans to help them decide what name to give the NHL new franchise that will play in Salt Lake City.
Arizona Coyotes are no more, as the team’s assets – players, coaches and management – head north from the desert to Utah. However, SEG, which also owns the NBA’s Utah Jazz, will have to start from scratch with an original nickname for its team.
A poll of 20 names has been made available to fans and will remain in effect until May 22. Four names can be chosen, but only one vote is allowed per person.
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People walk past the main entrance to the Delta Center with “NHL in Utah” logos on April 19, 2024 in Salt Lake City. The NHL has cleared the sale of the Arizona Coyotes and the team will move to Salt Lake City. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
With that said, let’s take a look at the top five names in the poll who would be the coolest to see on their NHL jerseys next season.
YETI
The last team to enter the NHL was the expansion team Seattle, and they decided to go with Kraken like their nickname. So why not take another mythical creature (or a totally real creature depending on what you believe) and put it in the league?
The Yeti makes perfect sense for Utah, given its frigid conditions and various mountains perfect for skiing.
Like the Kraken, SEG can have fun with the logo. If done correctly this could be a menacing beast on jerseys and some icy blue, white and gray color combinations also come to mind.
Finally, doesn’t Utah Yeti roll off the tongue? This might be the best option for a variety of reasons.
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HIVE
Utah is known as the “Beehive State,” and it’s not because it’s the nation’s largest producer of honey. Instead, it was chosen in 1848 because bees represent perseverance and industry.
Given that it will take hard work for this franchise to compete in the West, a name synonymous with work ethic could be a great way to rally around. Plus, Hive doesn’t just have to focus on the team – the fans could also call themselves “The Hive.”
The bigger question, however, is whether we want another black and yellow team in the NHL. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins already wear these colors, and while the Vegas Golden Knights have red, they are primarily black and gold.
Utah would have to get creative to stand out and have the individuality that they certainly want to possess as a new franchise. Swarm is another name that made the list.
A general view is seen as players of the yet-to-be-named Utah NHL hockey team are introduced to fans at the sold-out Delta Center on April 24, 2024 in Salt Lake City. The NHL has authorized the sale of the Arizona Coyotes and the team will move to Salt Lake City. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
FREEZE
Like Yeti, Utah is clearly becoming one of the best ski destinations in the country. They also have Powder, Blizzard, and Black Diamonds on the roster.
However, Utah Frost has just what fans would love, especially with the different promotions SEG could have at the Delta Center. Do you like “Frosty Fridays” with discounted beers?
The biggest hurdle here might be the logo, which would require some brainstorming to find the right one. However, this could open the door to some cool color combinations for uniforms.
It’s too boring to call it Utah Ice, or any of the other snow-based names. Frost seems fun and even slightly mysterious, which is the case for this team in their new adventure.
VENOM
Away from the snow, Utah is also home to many deserts, making it home to some venomous reptiles.
Without a snake logo in the NHL, there is perhaps nothing more original than calling the team “Utah Venom”, which creates a world of possibilities for the logo, the colors, the merchandise – l whole kit and caboodle.
A fluorescent primary color is always fun to work with. Just ask the Dallas Stars with their blackout green and black uniforms. Could Venom do something similar with an electric blue as the primary? Again, lots of options.
If originality is what SEG and fans want, look no further than Venom.
OUTLAW
Finally, Outlaws seems to fit perfectly with what Utah embodies. Not only is it the “Wild Wild West,” but it’s a group that’s on the move like cowboys looking to solidify their name in the next town.
National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announces the Utah Hockey Club’s No. 6 overall draft position in the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery at the NHL Network Studio on May 7, 2024 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Even though the players and coaches are all familiar with the rest of the NHL, they are the new kids in town, which is what outlaws always are when they find themselves in an unfamiliar situation.
With Salt Lake City being a new fan demographic, being the Outlaws could lead to loud crowds and get quick engagement to be the new “bad guy” in the league. Just a thought.
REST OF NAMES: MAMMOUTH, FURY, SQUALL, ALPINEERS, GLACIERS, CARIBOU, HC, CANYONS, BLAST, FREEZE
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