League approves new NHL team in Utah, owned by Ryan, Ashley Smith
Apr 18, 2024, 2:27 PM | Updated: Apr 23, 2024, 10:19 am
The Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is at the center of the plans to revitalize downtown Salt Lake. (KSL NewsRadio file)
(KSL NewsRadio file)
SALT LAKE CITY– The NHL Board Of Governors unanimously approved the establishment of a new hockey franchise in Utah by Ryan and Ashley Smith and Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) using the assets of the Arizona Coyotes.
In addition, the board approved a future reactivation of a franchise in Arizona if certain conditions are met.
“Effective at closing, the approved transactions will result in the Coyotes’ franchise transferring the totality of its existing hockey assets – including its full Reserve List, roster of Players and draft picks and its Hockey Operations Department – to the Utah franchise,” read the press release from the National Hockey League.
The Utah franchise does not have a name yet… but Smith is committed to giving hockey fans in Utah a say.
“I have a ton of faith in Utah. Utahns show up,” Smith told KSL Sports of his drive to bring an NHL team to Utah. “Everyone keeps telling us why we can’t, but if you want these things to happen, you have to take advantage of the moments.”
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