When the Coyotes made their move to Utah, the big question on everyone’s mind was: What will the new team be called?
Initially, the franchise went by the Utah Hockey Club — a placeholder name until the official brand was chosen. Rather than deciding behind closed doors, owner Ryan Smith opted for a fan-driven approach, sending out a survey to potential fans with a list of possible names.
That survey narrowed the options down to four potential names, but a trademark dispute quickly eliminated the early fan favorite, cutting the list to three:
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Utah Mammoth
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Utah Outlaws
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Utah Hockey Club
Fans had the opportunity to cast their votes at several home games throughout the season, building anticipation for the final reveal. However, a small digital slip-up sparked early rumors — the team's YouTube handle was changed to reflect the final choice before the official announcement, giving eagle-eyed fans a sneak peek.
Then, on a random Wednesday, the new identity became official: the Utah Mammoth. The name makes sense for the region, as the largest mammoth fossil ever discovered was found in Utah, making it a fitting symbol for the state.
With the new branding locked in, it will be exciting to see the Utah Mammoth hit the ice for their inaugural NHL season. Fans now have a name to rally behind as the franchise looks to make its mark in the league.