History of Utah Hockey Club in Timeline
The Utah Hockey Club is a new professional ice hockey team based in Salt Lake City. They will join the NHL in the 2024-2025 season as part of the Western Conference's Central Division. The team will share the Delta Center with the NBA's Utah Jazz, and plans are underway to renovate the arena to better accommodate both teams.
1969: Salt Lake Golden Eagles Founded
The Salt Lake Golden Eagles, the first professional hockey team in Salt Lake City, were founded in 1969.
1993: Golden Eagles Final Season in Salt Lake City
The 1993-1994 season marked the end of the Salt Lake Golden Eagles' time in Salt Lake City before their relocation.
1994: Salt Lake Golden Eagles Relocate
The Salt Lake Golden Eagles relocated to Auburn Hills, Michigan, in 1994, becoming the Detroit Vipers.
1995: Utah Grizzlies Founded
The Utah Grizzlies were founded in 1995 after the Denver Grizzlies relocated to Salt Lake City.
1996: Grizzlies Win Turner Cup
The Utah Grizzlies won the Turner Cup championship in 1996, their second consecutive championship.
1997: Grizzlies Move to E Center
The Utah Grizzlies moved to the newly built E Center (now Maverik Center) in West Valley City for the 1997-1998 season.
2001: Grizzlies Join AHL
Following the collapse of the International Hockey League (IHL), the Utah Grizzlies joined the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2001.
2002: Salt Lake City Hosts 2002 Winter Olympics
Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, with ice hockey tournaments held at the Maverik Center and Peaks Ice Arena.
2002: Lexington Men O' War Become Dormant
The Lexington Men O' War, an ECHL franchise, became dormant in 2002 after the 2002-2003 season.
2005: ECHL Grizzlies Begin Play
A new ECHL franchise using the Utah Grizzlies name began playing in 2005, replacing the AHL team of the same name.
2005: Grizzlies Suspend Operations
The Utah Grizzlies suspended operations in 2005 before being sold and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio.
2007: Grizzlies Become Lake Erie Monsters
The Utah Grizzlies were sold and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, in 2007, becoming the Lake Erie Monsters (later the Cleveland Monsters).
2022: Discussions for Salt Lake City Expansion Begin
Discussions to bring an NHL expansion team to Salt Lake City started in early 2022.
June 2023: Salt Lake City Emerges as Potential NHL Destination
Rumors about the Arizona Coyotes' potential relocation to Salt Lake City began circulating in June 2023 following the failed New Tempe Arena referendum.
January 2024: Ryan Smith Petitions NHL for Expansion
In January 2024, Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz, formally requested the NHL to consider Salt Lake City for an expansion team.
February 2024: Utah Senate Passes Arena Legislation
The Utah State Senate approved tax legislation in February 2024 to support building a new hockey-ready arena in downtown Salt Lake City, with the condition that any team be branded as "Utah."
April 13, 2024: Coyotes Seek Relocation to Salt Lake City
Reports emerged on April 13, 2024, that the Arizona Coyotes were exploring relocation to Salt Lake City due to uncertainties surrounding a new arena and the limitations of playing at Mullett Arena.
April 18, 2024: Franchise Deal
The NHL Board of Governors granted an expansion franchise in Salt Lake City to Jazz owner Ryan Smith on April 18, 2024. Instead of an expansion draft, the team acquired the Arizona Coyotes' assets, including players, coaching staff, and draft picks.
June 13, 2024: Team Branding Revealed
On June 13, 2024, the team's name, colors, and jerseys for their inaugural season were unveiled.
July 31, 2024: ECHL Affiliation Agreement
Utah announced a one-year affiliation agreement with the ECHL's Allen Americans for the 2024-2025 season on July 31, 2024.
September 20, 2024: Broadcast Agreement Announced
On September 20, 2024, the Utah Hockey Club reached an agreement with KZNS (KSL Sports Zone) to broadcast their games, with Mike Folta as the play-by-play announcer.
September 22, 2024: First Preseason Game
The Utah Hockey Club played their first preseason game on September 22, 2024, defeating the St. Louis Blues 5-3 in Des Moines, Iowa.
October 4, 2024: Clayton Keller Named Captain
Clayton Keller was named the first captain in Utah Hockey Club history on October 4, 2024.
October 7, 2024: Information Updated
Information regarding the Utah Hockey Club was last updated on October 7, 2024.
2024: Utah Hockey Club Founded
The Utah Hockey Club was founded and joined the NHL's Western Conference in 2024.
2024: Team Name Announced
The team was officially named the Utah Hockey Club for the 2024-2025 NHL season.
2025: Permanent Branding
A full team identity, including a permanent name, colors, and logo, will be developed for the 2025-2026 season.
2034: Salt Lake City to Host 2034 Winter Olympics
Salt Lake City is scheduled to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.