Yeti, Glaciers, Frost and More: Ranking All 20 Utah NHL Team Names Up for Fan Vote

There are a few good options—and well, plenty of bad options—for Salt Lake City's new hockey team name.

A general view of Mullett Arena in during a game in November 2023. / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL franchise formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes is looking for a new team name as it packs its bags for Utah next season.

On Wednesday, the franchise unveiled a list of 20 potential team names that are currently up for a fan vote. NHL fans have the chance to vote for up to four of their favorite nicknames from the list to advance past the first round as the selection process continues into the summer.

It's a shame a fantastic, unique name and logo like the Coyotes are on the move, but there are a few good options—and well, plenty of bad options—for Salt Lake City's new hockey team name.

Let's rank them:

20. Utah Blast

The Blast? We're naming a professional hockey team, not a U-15 traveling soccer program. Next, please.

19. Utah Venom

The Utah Venom would be a franchise that is trying too hard to be edgy.

18. Utah Fury

See Venom, Utah.

17. Utah Powder

This would welcome some, uh, unfortunate memes.

16. Utah Freeze

I'm in, but only if Frozone comes out of retirement as the team mascot.

15. Utah Blizzard

We get it, Utah. It snows there. You can't be a team named the Blizzard when there are seven NHL franchises in Canada.

14. Utah Ice

Brooklyn Nets, meet your long-lost cousin, the Utah Ice.

13. Utah Frost

If chestnuts are roasting on the open fire, are the Utah Frost nipping at your nose?

12. Utah Glaciers

By far, the best of the winter-themed nicknames. But still not quite there.

11. Utah Hive

Utah is known as the Beehive State, and the beehive actually has a place on the state flag. Why not bring it to the ice?

10. Utah Outlaws

The Outlaws are fun, but it also feels rather close to the suggested expansion team names from Madden '08.

9. Utah Swarm

It's the Utah Hive, but slightly better.

8. Utah HC

A treat for those of us who miss the Washington Football Team.

7. Utah Canyons

It's cool and different, but a canyon can't hold a hockey stick in a logo, unfortunately. That is a must in any new team logo.

6. Utah Mountaineers

West Virginia alums would have a new favorite hockey team.

5. Utah Squall

Thanks to a brief Google search, a squall is defined as "a sudden violent gust of wind or localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow or sleet." Utah Squall has a good ring to it.

4. Utah Caribou

Extra points if they base their logo and color scheme off the Minnesota Moose, a now-defunct International Hockey League team from the 1990s.

3. Utah Black Diamonds

Shred that gnar, Salt Lake City.

2. Utah Mammoth

There is a dire need for more dinosaur-related team names in professional sports. This would be close enough.

1. Utah Yeti

This is it. This is the one. Just imagine the graphics for a Western Conference playoff series between the Seattle Kraken and Utah Yeti. Goosebumps.