Smith Entertainment Group Opens Second Phase of Utah’s NHL Team Naming Survey

Fans invited to vote between the six fan favorites from round one today through June 20

 

SALT LAKE CITY (June 6, 2024) – Today, Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) launched the second round of its multi-phase survey process that invites fans to help pick the name of Utah’s NHL franchise. The 520,000 fans who voted in round one made it clear which six names are their resounding favorites (accounting for 60% of total votes), and SEG decided to include all six of those potential options in round two to see which emerge on top as fans continue narrowing it down.

 

Fans can cast their vote now through June 20 at 11:59 P.M. MT. The names fans can vote on in round two are (listed in alphabetical order):

 

• Utah Blizzard

• Utah Hockey Club (Utah HC)

• Utah Mammoth

• Utah Outlaws

• Utah Venom

• Utah Yeti

 

In their inaugural season (2024-25), Utah’s NHL franchise will don jerseys that display UTAH across the front as a reflection of the team’s new roots in the state and dedication to its fanbase. Once the team name has been selected, SEG and Doubleday & Cartwright will craft the team identity inclusive of the logo, mascot, and other branding elements, which will debut prior to the 2025-26 NHL season.

 

SEG has partnered with Qualtrics – the leading feedback and experience management provider – to conduct the NHL franchise naming survey. The study will employ best practice survey research methodology to ensure fairness, accuracy, and unbiased results including randomization, geo-location identification, progressive discrete choice analysis, the prevention of ballot box stuffing, encrypted data collection and storage. Backend analysis will also include deduplication and best practice statistical methods to ensure data integrity.

 

Details about the next step in the naming process will be announced in the coming months.

 

To stay updated on developments with Utah’s NHL team, visit www.NHLinUtah.com.

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About Utah’s NHL Franchise

Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) established Utah’s first-ever NHL franchise in April 2024, with the team set to debut in the 2024-25 season. With this move, SEG introduced the second “Big Four” major professional sports league to Utah for the first time in state history.  Utah’s NHL franchise was established with a competitive, dynamic roster and 34 draft picks spanning its first three consecutive seasons (2024-27). The team will compete at Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City, building on the renowned, energetic atmosphere for which Utah’s sports and entertainment scene has become known. For more information on Utah’s NHL franchise, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.NHLinUtah.com.

About Smith Entertainment Group

Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) is a sports, entertainment, real estate, and technology investment group focused primarily on the state of Utah. SEG’s portfolio includes the Utah Jazz (NBA), Utah’s new NHL franchise, Delta Center, SEG Media, Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals (NWSL), America First Credit Union Field, Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League), Utah Jazz Gaming (NBA 2K League), Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro), and other Utah-centric business ventures.

MEDIA CONTACT: hockeypr@smithentertainmentgroup.com