Unlike the name Jazz, which came from New Orleans and is one of the most incongruous mascot names in all of sports, a Utah NHL team would likely go with a native name. Perhaps a native animal name such as those found in this article.
“The mule deer, ranging principally in forest and mountain areas, is Utah’s most numerous big game animal. Named for its mule-like ears, this creature is graceful and elusive, having choice meat and a magnificent head.”
Imagine the mascot…
Anyway, having spent considerable time in Utah over the holidays (and away from the computer), it got me thinking again about why a place like Utah doesn’t have an NHL team. Of course, the obvious reason is, it’s not economically viable to support a team there. To that I say, how does Nashville and Phoenix have a team and not one of the most snow loving regions in all the country? Why do Utahns love basketball so much and not hockey? Seems strange considering their love of winter activities, doesn’t it?
So I did a quick search on the subject and came up with this article, which talks about how the Utah sporting scene is bright… but I guess not quite bright enough.
Utah: No puck? Guess not.
Well, I know it’s been over a year since you published this, but as a native Utahn, there is a growing interest for hockey at the grassroots level (high school, city leagues, etc.). Even St. George, the hottest city in the state, has had a seasonal rink the last couple of winters.
The main things keeping a team from moving here are:
(1). The need for an NHL-sized arena,
(2). An owner willing to bring a team here, and
(3). Being able to compete head-to-head with the Utah Jazz year-in, year-out.
That said, it’s hard to doubt that a move to Utah would be an improvement for the Florida Panthers or Phoenix Coyotes if they came ASAP; Utah is well known for supporting the Jazz, Real Salt Lake, and the other minor-league teams. A committed owner would be able to make things work.
My personal opinion is that the time is just not yet; with the growth of the population here, there could be enough people to support an NBA and an NHL team here soon.
I would be satisfied with a AAA (AHL) team (if the league ever came out west), perhaps a Kings affiliate; they did, with Luc Robitaille’s help, host a preseason game here a year or two ago, after all. With AAA hockey back, and with regional rivalries such as Las Vegas, Portland (OR), San Diego, etc., it would work again; being the only team this far out west doomed the IHL/AHL Grizzlies, so they settled with the ECHL.
As for the name, dig into Utah’s hockey history and go with Golden Eagles (a one-time affiliate of the California Golden Seals), or just use the Grizzlies name. If you wanted to go with something deer-related, go with Stags, though you weren’t not being serious with the title. But I digress.
Thanks for input! Good comment. Maybe one day, but I agree that as it stands now, Utah isn’t even on the radar. The current big push, as you know, is to bring a team back to Canada.
I still maintain it would be nice to see more teams in the west. Washington/Oregon/Utah as the main contenders.
As far as the owners/league is concerned, yes, Utah isn’t on the radar; getting back to Winnipeg is of top priority.
However, there’s been a few people that have mentioned Salt Lake as a potential NHL city.