Utah Welcomes NHL as Utah Hockey Club Debuts in Salt Lake City

The Utah Hockey Club, the latest addition to the National Hockey League (NHL), is set to make its home debut at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The franchise, which rose from the remnants of the Arizona Coyotes, is the 53rd team in the league’s history. This marks a significant milestone for team owner Ryan Smith, who acquired the Coyotes in a swift transition, turning a seemingly improbable idea into reality in just a few months.

The transformation of the Delta Center, known primarily as a basketball venue, into a hockey arena has been both ambitious and challenging. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who orchestrated the transition, has been heavily involved despite being away for a pro-am golf tournament in Scotland. “The team is still working,” Smith stated from Scotland. “I bet if I walked in there, it wouldn’t look like it was ready. But by tomorrow, somehow, it will be.”

Smith’s acquisition of the Coyotes happened in mid-April, following the team’s struggles in Arizona where they played in the Mullett Arena. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman consulted Smith about the feasibility of moving the team to Salt Lake City. Without hesitation, Smith affirmed, “Yes, we’re going to figure it out.”

Preparations for the Utah debut involved comprehensive renovations at the Delta Center, including new locker rooms, training facilities, and direct-access tunnels from the locker rooms to the ice benches. Jim Olson, President of the Jazz, led the arena overhaul, ensuring all hockey necessities were met. “If you would have walked in then, it was just demolition and a complete disaster,” Olson recounted.

The excitement in Salt Lake City is palpable, with more than 12,000 fans attending a pep rally to welcome the players. Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen even participated by staying to watch a preseason game. Fans, including those introduced at the airport, have shown eagerness to embrace the team.

However, the Delta Center is not without its flaws. With 5,000 obstructed-view seats, accommodating all spectators will be a challenge. Nonetheless, the buzz surrounding the debut of the Utah Hockey Club is undeniable.

The NHL team is in the process of settling, still needing to finalize aspects like team branding and jersey designs. The team’s name remains undecided, with “Yetis” among the popular suggestions.

Epic Brewing in Salt Lake City has also joined the celebration, launching a limited edition beer named “Hip Check.” Gus Erickson from Epic Brewing expressed excitement about Utah’s newfound NHL status, describing it as “crazy, surreal.”

The Utah Hockey Club’s debut is anticipated to be a major citywide event, with all eyes on the successful integration of a new sports culture in the city. As Ryan Smith shared, “There’s a spirit about it. There truly is.”