New NHL owner Ryan Smith acknowledged that the road ahead “will be bumpy" but he is "confident that the NHL team will be a success if the Utah community welcomes players and support staff with open arms,” according to Kelsey Dallas of the DESERET NEWS. Smith appearing on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” yesterday said, “It’s daunting. We’re not going to be perfect. There’s no way we can be perfect. (But) we’re ready to go.” Smith said that there have been “about 27,000 deposits made for season tickets so far.” His team is hoping that the Delta Center, which "will hold around 16,000 people per game next season, will be full.” Smith said that “only 400 of the first 6,000 ticket requests that came in were from" Jazz season ticket holders. Smith said that he had a “chance to meet with his new team in Arizona last week.” He added that around 80 players and team staffers “will be in Utah Wednesday to explore housing options and discuss how day-to-day operations will work.” Dallas noted the team will then "gather with hockey fans at the Delta Center for a welcome party." As for the name of the team, Smith Entertainment Group plans to “host a bracket-style competition that will allow Utah hockey fans to choose the new name” (DESERET NEWS, 4/22).
NEW PROCESS: In Salt Lake City, Alex Vejar noted more details about the team naming process “will be revealed” at the fan event tomorrow at the Delta Center. The event, which is free and begins at 4pm MT, will feature Smith and his wife, Ashley, "introducing the community to the new team’s players, coaching staff and front office." Smith “will retain" coach André Tourigny and GM Bill Armstrong, and both "will be at the event." It seems "clear Smith will heavily consider fan input when it comes to the new NHL team’s name.” Last week, he said that he “plans to take his time when naming the team,” and suggested that the 2024-25 season “could start without a nickname” (
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 4/22).
