New Utah team picks 'Utah Hockey Club' as temp name for 1st season - ESPN

The NHL's new team based in Salt Lake City will be known as Utah Hockey Club in its first season.

The Arizona Coyotes' franchise was sold to Utah Jazz owners Smith Entertainment Group in April, with that sale finally closing on Thursday. While the Coyotes' intellectual property remains with owner Alex Meruelo, Utah acquired the franchise, its players and its hockey operations department in the sale. It begins play next season.

«Today is a monumental day for the state of Utah as we officially close on the establishment of a new NHL franchise,» said Ryan Smith, governor of Utah Hockey Club and chairman of Smith Entertainment Group. «The NHL has been incredible to work with throughout this process, providing us with invaluable guidance and support. We have a ton of work to do-training camp starts in less than 100 days-and could not be more excited about what's to come.»