Utah sports fans have reason to celebrate as the NHL officially arrives in the Beehive State. Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, has successfully brought an NHL team to Utah, and the excitement is palpable.
"We made it public in January that we were interested in owning an NHL team..
Bettman and Daly called in early March & said we have the craziest idea but do you think you can pull it off..
I didn't blink and six weeks later here we are with an NHL team" ~ @RyanQualtrics… pic.twitter.com/jY79xOfzPx
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 22, 2024
The Future of the Utah Jazz: A New Era Dawns
In January, Ryan Smith publicly expressed interest in owning an NHL team. His passion for hockey and commitment to expanding Utah’s sports landscape caught the attention of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. Their “craziest idea” was to establish an NHL franchise in Salt Lake City.
In early March, Bettman and Daly reached out to Ryan Smith with their proposal. Their challenge: Could he pull off the seemingly impossible task of creating an NHL team from scratch? Smith didn’t hesitate. Six weeks later, the dream became a reality. Utah now has its own NHL team, and fans are eagerly awaiting the team’s official name and colors.
From Jazz Fan to NHL Owner: Ryan Smith’s Passion for Sports
Smith’s journey to NHL ownership is a testament to his dedication to sports and his commitment to the Salt Lake City community. A lifelong Jazz fan, Smith purchased the NBA team in 2012 and has overseen a period of sustained success. His vision for revitalizing the Utah sports scene extends beyond basketball.
Smith is involving fans in the naming process. A fan-voted bracket will determine the team’s nickname. The process includes narrowing down options from eight contenders to the final choice. Qualtrics, a Utah-based experience management company, is assisting with the fan engagement. Smith’s commitment to community involvement ensures that fans will play a significant role in shaping the team’s identity.
Coach André Tourigny and General Manager Bill Armstrong will continue their roles with the new NHL team. Ryan Smith’s decision to retain these experienced leaders demonstrates his commitment to stability and continuity. Fans can expect a seamless transition as the team prepares for its inaugural season.
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