Salt Lake City is now home to the NHL team officially named the Utah Mammoth. Owners Ryan and Ashley Smith made the announcement Thursday morning after more than a year of soliciting fan input and facilitating voting to select the franchise's permanent name. "From Day 1, we committed that this team would be built with and for the people of Utah, and we are excited to celebrate today’s launch with the entire state," the ownership said in a statement. They emphasized that the Utah Mammoth brand symbolizes the state's identity and the collaborative effort involved in establishing the team.
The name Mammoth replaces the temporary moniker Utah Hockey Club, used during the inaugural season. Among the final three contenders for the name were Mammoth, Outlaws, and Yeti. The Yeti option was eliminated when legal issues arose regarding copyright with a cooler company sharing the same name. The Outlaws were briefly considered, alongside the more popular Mammoth name, which ultimately received community support. The brand reflects both the state's heritage, particularly given that mammoth fossils have been uncovered throughout Utah, including a notable discovery of a complete skeleton in Huntington Canyon in 1988.
The Utah Mammoth will maintain the existing color scheme of black, light blue, and white and the design of road jerseys that feature "UTAH" across the chest. The team’s logo creatively incorporates elements symbolizing the state’s mountainous terrain, including a curve in the tusk depicting a stylized "U." This branding aims to strengthen the connection between the team and its fan base.
Looking ahead, Utah has an exciting summer in store with significant developments on the horizon. The franchise holds the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, which could bring in vital young talent. Additionally, the first phase of arena renovations is set to take place, further enhancing the fan experience. General Manager Bill Armstrong is in a favorable position, equipped with over $20 million in salary cap space for potential moves during free agency and trades. Key players on the roster include captain Clayton Keller, promising forward Logan Cooley, two-time Stanley Cup champion Mikhail Sergachev, and up-and-coming goaltender Karel Vejmelka. With this talented core, the Mammoth are optimistic about contending for a playoff spot as early as next season.
The rebranding of the team comes less than 13 months after the Smith Entertainment Group acquired the franchise, previously known as the Arizona Coyotes, from former owner Alex Meruelo. The Coyotes had been based in the Phoenix area since 1996, following their relocation from Winnipeg, where they were originally known as the Jets. This transition marks a significant moment for hockey in Salt Lake City and the overall development of the sport in Utah.
In summary, the Utah Mammoth stands as a fresh identity for professional hockey in Salt Lake City, celebrating local heritage while aiming for future competitiveness in the league.
