The NHL’s new Utah franchise is getting closer to choosing a team name.
Ryan Smith and his Smith Entertainment Group finalized their purchase of the Arizona Coyotes in April. The franchise is being moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, ahead of the 2024-25 season, and a survey was sent out to fans last month asking them to help choose a team name from 20 potential options. That list has now been narrowed down to six.
On Thursday, SEM announced that there were 520,000 votes submitted in the initial round of nickname voting. More than 60% of those votes were for the six names that are now finalists — Utah Blizzard, Utah Hockey Club (Utah HC), Utah Mammoth, Utah Outlaws, Utah Venom and Utah Yeti. Fans can now vote between those six through June 20.
Smith has said he does not want to rush coming up with a name for the team and is willing to use a placeholder name like the Washington Commanders did when they were the Washington Football Team. In their inaugural season next year, Utah will wear jerseys with “UTAH” across the front. When a name is chosen from the six finalists, a logo, mascot and branding will be implemented for the 2025-26 season.
The Coyotes went 36-41-5 and missed the playoffs this season. They have been to the postseason just once in the past 12 years, which has contributed to them not having a very loyal following. Most hockey fans will welcome the team’s move from Phoenix to Salt Lake City.
