With speculation and excitement growing about the possibility of the National Hockey League coming to „The Beehive State“, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith ignited even more interest with a tweet seeking suggestions for a potential team name.
Fans responded with a plethora of names, logos, and even a few uniform concepts. Some referenced winter sports and Utah’s mountainous terrain, suggesting names like Blizzard, Yeti, Mountaineers, and Olympians. Others drew inspiration from the state’s official name and animals, proposing Stingers, Elks, Hive, and Gila Monsters. Some alluded to former professional hockey teams that called the state home, such as the Eagles, while others hinted at another team relocating to the area, with multiple people suggesting „Coyotes“.
If an NHL team came to Utah, what would we call it?
Fill out this survey and submit your ideas: https://t.co/wmedXEUEyh pic.twitter.com/BXhSRBqcPd
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) April 8, 2024
Something there 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uMqfO05oSx
— HARDY BOIZ (@thatjazzzfan)
April 8, 2024
✅ Salt Lake Stingers (State insect).
✅ Utah Gila Monsters (State reptile).
✅ Utah Elks (State mammal).— David Salter (@DaveSalter_) April 8, 2024
Of course, this could all be in vain. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated in February that the league is not currently considering expansion. With 32 franchises already, the most recent addition being the Seattle Kraken for the 2021-22 season, expansion may not be on the table. If expansion is off the table, following the advice of some of the commentators mentioned earlier, bringing the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City could be a possibility.
Utah has a rich history in professional hockey, with teams like the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and Utah Grizzlies. The potential arrival of an NHL team in Utah could significantly boost the state’s economy, create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and attract tourism. Such an expansion would immediately create jobs in the construction and service industries and enhance Utah’s national and international visibility. This increased visibility could attract more visitors and investments, strengthen the local economy, and foster community spirit. The presence of a major sports franchise tends to extend its economic benefits far beyond the arena, increasing the overall appeal of the region as a place to live, work, and visit.
You can submit your ideas directly to Smith’s „Bringing the NHL to Utah“ campaign using the form provided in his original tweet here.