The NHL has a new franchise for the 2024-25 season. Yet, you may have noticed, the NHL still has 32 teams. So, what gives?
Enter the Utah Hockey Club.
Back in April, the Arizona Coyotes played their last game as a franchise as we knew them. After a long, messy stay in Arizona that lasted 28 years, the Coyotes were relocated to Utah at the end of the 2023-24 NHL season.
And thus, Utah Hockey Club was born! The team is officially set up in Salt Lake City after being bought by Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and the Smith Entertainment Group. Utah Hockey Club will also play games at the Delta Center alongside the Jazz, with the arena set to be updated to accommodate both clubs better.
The ink is dry! We’ve officially closed on an NHL franchise 📝
Join us on this journey 🏒#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/llDiLsuZ0S
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) June 13, 2024
Utah is still a young, burgeoning franchise, but here’s everything we know about the team so far.
Is Utah Hockey Club the final team name?
It is not! Because Utah had such a short time between its inception as a franchise and the start of the 2024-25 season, the team chose not to rush the decision and go with Utah Hockey Club for its inaugural season.
Fans, however, did get to vote on the final name, which will be revealed before the 2025-26 season. The team’s colors — black, blue and white — will be the same going forward though.
What conference and division does the Utah Hockey Club play in?
Even though the franchise relocated, Utah Hockey Club will remain in the Western Conference and in the Central Division.
Who are the general manager and head coach of Utah Hockey Club?
Bill Armstrong is the general manager for Utah coming into the 2024-25 season. Armstrong was previously the general manager for Arizona. As for Utah’s head coach, André Tourigny returns to be the bench boss, as he also was the Coyotes’ head coach before the relocation.
Most importantly, does Utah have a mascot?
Technically no, but Jazz Bear will be pulling double duty as the Utah Hockey Club’s unofficial mascot for the 2024-25 season!
A very important mission, from one Bear to another. 💭#UtahHC | @utahjazzbear pic.twitter.com/kLUVvfvpJ0
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) October 7, 2024
