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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's NHL team has a name — at least for one season.
On Thursday, the club announced it will play as the Utah Hockey Club during its first season (and maybe beyond), and will wear the colors of light blue, black and white.
The colors are expected to be part of the team's identity moving forward, no matter what permanent team name is eventually chosen (Yeti, Mammoth, Outlaws, Blizzard, Venom and Utah Hockey Club are still in contention in the ongoing fan vote).
The black is an ode to the volcanic rock of Utah's deserts, the white is to honor the state's salt flats, and the blue represents the mountains. The colors are intentionally complementary to the recent redesign of the Utah Jazz, which is also owned by Ryan Smith and Smith Entertainment Group.
The team also introduced five logos that will be used which it says will set the stage for future branding efforts. The logos were first seen last week after KSL.com discovered their trademark applications.
NHL merchandise will be available for sale at the NHL draft party at the Delta Center on June 28.
"Today is a monumental day for the state of Utah as we officially close on the establishment of a new NHL franchise," Smith said in a statement. "The NHL has been incredible to work with throughout this process, providing us with invaluable guidance and support. We have a ton of work to do–training camp starts in less than 100 days–and could not be more excited about what's to come."
The announcement comes on the day the NHL and Smith Entertainment Group officially closed on the deal to bring a franchise to Utah.
"On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am delighted to officially welcome Utah to the National Hockey League," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Congratulations to Ryan and Ashley Smith, their entire organization, the state of Utah and the fans as the Club continues its exciting march toward puck drop in October."
As for the permanent name, the second round of voting is in process and will end on June 20. SEG representative Mike Maughan said this week that a third round is expected.
