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The Yeti's Fate: Utah NHL Team Narrows Down Name Selection to Three Contenders
2025-01-29
Author: Wei
The Yeti's Fate: Utah NHL Team Narrows Down Name Selection to Three Contenders
SALT LAKE CITY — The beloved Utah Yeti moniker is officially off the table. As the Utah Hockey Club moves forward in their quest for a permanent name, fans will have the opportunity to vote on three remaining options: Utah Hockey Club, Utah Mammoth, and a new contender, Utah Wasatch.
In an unexpected twist, the inclusion of "Wasatch" has stirred excitement among fans, though the fan-favorite "Yeti" has been eliminated due to trademark complications. Mike Maughan, an executive at Smith Entertainment Group, explained that Yeti Coolers holds exclusive rights to the name, which precludes the hockey team from using it unless a coexistence agreement is established—something the cooler company has declined.
Maughan stated, "They made a determination that, for the sake of their brand, they didn't want to enter into a coexistence agreement." Attempts were made to negotiate with Yeti, including involvement from the NHL, but priorities ultimately shifted.
With Yeti now out of the running, the team sought to honor the spirit of the mythical creature through the new name, Wasatch. This name reflects Utah's iconic Wasatch Mountains and encapsulates the local culture. Maughan revealed, "We wanted to honor the sentiment of one of those top names while also including a Utah-centric version of it."
Fans attending the next four home games—including a showdown against the Pittsburgh Penguins—will have the chance to express their preferences. Voting will take place via iPads located throughout the Delta Center, where fans can also preview potential new logos and rink designs. Voting begins when the doors open, ensuring every fan has a say in the new identity of their team.
Excitingly, the new logos for Wasatch and Utah Hockey Club continue to feature similar "mythical snow creature" themes reminiscent of the Yeti, while the Mammoth logo boasts a stylized tribute to the prehistoric beast. The team will retain its current black, blue, and white color scheme, with plans to refresh the existing logo—irrespective of which name ultimately wins the vote.
This naming process is yet to be finalized, but Maughan hinted that this could be the last chance for fan input before a permanent name is unveiled ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. "We'll see how the results come in and make a determination from there," he indicated.
As the excitement builds around the remaining contenders, hockey enthusiasts and local fans eagerly await an official name that embodies both the traditions of the sport and the essence of Utah.