In an exciting development for hockey fans in Utah, the state’s new NHL team is moving closer to finalizing its official name, and fans will have a direct hand in the decision. Starting tonight, Utah hockey fans will have the opportunity to vote on three potential team names, as well as select from two proposed logos. The names under consideration are Utah Hockey Club, Utah Mammoth, and the newly introduced Utah Wasatch, reflecting the state’s iconic Wasatch Mountain Range located to the north and east of Salt Lake City.
Fans to Cast Their Votes at Upcoming Home Games
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Utah’s budding hockey culture as the team works toward establishing its identity in the National Hockey League. Fans attending the next four home games at Delta Center, beginning with tonight’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, will be able to cast their votes on the name and logo. Voting will remain open until February 4, when Utah faces the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Yeti Option Scrapped
The Utah team had initially considered a fourth name, “Yeti,” but this option was scrapped after it was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The USPTO determined that the “Yeti” moniker posed a risk of confusion with the popular Yeti Cooler brand, which already holds trademark rights over “Yeti” and related branding in apparel and licensed products.
“We engaged with Yeti Cooler Company,” Mike Maughan, a Smith Entertainment Group executive, shared with the media. “They have a strong trademark on ‘Yeti’ and ‘Yetis’ for clothing and other products. We couldn’t come to an agreement on how we could coexist.” As a result, the name was swiftly removed from consideration.
Trademark Issues with Mammoth and Hockey Club
Fans who have followed the naming process will notice that two of the three remaining names — Mammoth and Hockey Club — have also faced trademark complications, with the USPTO raising concerns over both. Despite these challenges, Maughan assured fans that these issues were not insurmountable, adding, “There are always challenges when it comes to trademarks, but these are hurdles we can overcome.”
Voting Process Details
The team plans to have stations set up around Delta Center for in-person voting during the next four home games. Maughan also revealed that the logos tied to the potential names have yet to be publicly revealed for copyright protection reasons. “We have faith in the community that they’ll respect the process,” Maughan said, referring to previous successful instances where design elements for the Utah Jazz were kept under wraps until their official unveiling.
Snow Creature Logo for Two Names
Notably, there will only be two logos to choose from, despite the initial consideration of three. The reason for this is that “Hockey Club” and “Wasatch” share similar design concepts that both center around a mythical snow creature, intended to represent the fierce spirit of the team. According to Maughan, the snow creature symbol was chosen for its fierce and fitting qualities as an NHL team mascot, contributing to a sense of local pride.
Speculations Around the Reveal Date
Fans are eager to voice their opinions, and while no definitive timeline has been set for the final reveal of the winning name and logo, many are speculating that the team may unveil its brand identity during the 2025 first-round NHL draft. Maughan, however, remained coy when pressed for confirmation, smiling and stating, “It’s a great thought, but we’re not making any promises just yet.”
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Fans Play Crucial Role in Decision-Making
For team owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, involving the fans in the decision-making process is a top priority. They believe that having the community contribute to the team’s identity will foster greater fan engagement and loyalty as the franchise moves forward. “Whether this is the final part of the process or there is another vote to follow, it’s still to be determined,” Maughan said.
With the fans’ involvement in choosing the name and logo, the new Utah NHL team is further strengthening its connection with the community and ensuring the team’s brand resonates with the people who will support it the most. As the franchise enters this new chapter, anticipation continues to build around the team’s identity, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to make their voices heard.