The Utah Hockey Club has officially transformed into the Utah Mammoth, marking the end of a long and intricate renaming process that has captivated fans and sports enthusiasts alike. The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, during a celebratory event at the Delta Center, where NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joined team owners Ryan and Ashley Smith to unveil the new identity.
After a 13-month journey filled with fan engagement, the name "Mammoth" emerged as the clear favorite among more than 850,000 votes cast in a series of polls. The selection process began in April 2024, shortly after the franchise relocated from Arizona to Salt Lake City, where it initially adopted the temporary name of Utah Hockey Club. The final vote saw Mammoth triumph over other contenders, including the Utah Outlaws and a return to the Utah Hockey Club name.
“The community chose the Utah Mammoth brand, and it stands as a symbol of who we are, where we came from, and the unstoppable force we’re building together,” the Smiths stated in a joint press release. The name not only reflects the franchise's commitment to its community but also pays homage to the rich history of mammoths in Utah, where fossils have been discovered throughout the state.
The new branding will feature team colors of rock black, salt white, and mountain blue, which were retained from the franchise's inaugural season. The home jerseys will showcase a striking black base adorned with the newly designed Mountain Mammoth logo, while the away jerseys will be predominantly white, featuring a "UTAH" wordmark that recalls the team’s original identity.
One of the most exciting aspects of the rebranding is the introduction of a new rallying cry and social media hashtag: "Tusks Up." This slogan encapsulates the spirit of the franchise and its fans, emphasizing strength and resilience, much like the mammoths that once roamed the region.
Throughout the renaming process, the team faced significant challenges, including trademark issues with the popular Yeti brand. Initially, Yeti was considered a frontrunner for the team name, but complications arose when the cooler company refused to enter a coexistence agreement with the NHL franchise. This led to the eventual focus on the Mammoth name, which had been hinted at following a brief leak on the team’s YouTube page.
During the announcement event, the Smiths expressed their excitement about the new direction for the franchise, stating, “From day one, we committed that this team would be built with and for the people of Utah.” The Mammoth name embodies the franchise's vision of becoming a community asset and a source of pride for its fans.
In addition to the name change, the team unveiled its new logo, which features a mammoth’s head with long, curved tusks forming a "U" shape, symbolizing the state of Utah. The design also incorporates elements of the Wasatch Mountain Range, with snow-capped peaks depicted as part of the mammoth's crown.
Fans eager to support the newly branded Utah Mammoth won't have to wait long to get their hands on merchandise. A limited selection of team gear, including hats, shirts, and hoodies, will be available for purchase at the Delta Center starting at noon on the day of the announcement. Full jerseys, however, will not be released until closer to the start of the 2025-2026 NHL season, coinciding with the league's uniform unveilings.
The excitement surrounding the Mammoth name is palpable, and it comes at a pivotal time for the franchise. With the upcoming NHL Draft set for June 27 and 28, the team is poised to make significant strides as it looks to build a competitive roster. The Mammoth will have the fourth overall pick in the draft, following a successful lottery that saw them jump ten spots.
As the Utah Mammoth prepares for its inaugural season under its new name, the organization is also undertaking a large-scale renovation of the Delta Center. This project aims to enhance the fan experience, ensuring that spectators enjoy unobstructed views during games, whether they are watching hockey or basketball.
In conclusion, the Utah Mammoth is more than just a name; it represents a new era for hockey in Utah, one that honors the past while looking forward to a bright future. With a dedicated fan base and a commitment to community engagement, the Mammoth are ready to make a significant impact in the NHL.
