Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports that Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith has discussed bringing an AHL team to Utah; however, it is likely years away. In the process, Smith said he and Smith Entertainment Group have considered the best locations in Utah for the franchise, and that somewhere “up north” stands out; perhaps Salt Lake City or St. George.
With the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies (West Valley City) reaching 20 years in the state, the prospect of Utah continuing to grow the game with an additional professional team is an exciting concept. Hypothetically, they would join an exclusive club (California, New York, and Pennsylvania) as the only states to hold a team in all three of the top North American hockey leagues.
Such news may raise a few eyebrows of those within the Tucson Roadrunners, the Mammoth’s current AHL affiliate, but only time will tell what the future may hold.
AHL or not, Smith has his eyes on growing the game in Utah, akin to markets such as Dallas, Nashville, and Vegas, which have become youth hockey hotbeds after the NHL came to town. Bagley added that Smith’s offer to help build more rinks in Utah has been well received, as he says he has heard from 20 different communities that have shown interest.
Finally, Bagley provided injury updates for the club as they wind up for their second season. Key offseason acquisition JJ Peterka returned to the ice today, per Bagley, having missed Saturday’s practice. The 23-year-old looks to build off a 68-point campaign in Buffalo last year and star for the Mammoth.
Logan Cooley and Jack McBain remain sidelined, Head Coach Andre Tourigny told Bagley. Neither is expected out long term, but they will not play tomorrow vs the Kings.
Erm … you did your homework and know that the Grizzlies are moving to New Jersey after this season, yes?
Utah Grizzlies are relocating next season
Michigan also has all 3 leagues – Detroit Red Wings, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), and Kalamazoo K-Wings (ECHL)
As does Mass. Bruins (NHL), Springfield Falcons (AHL) and Worcester Railers (EHL) I guess not a lot of research went into this.
… psst. Springfield Thunderbirds.
Oops. I remember them back in the early 70’s when they were the Kings (same unis as the parent LA club) Were they ever the Falcons?
Not per se. The old Indians franchise was sold and moved to Worcester to become the IceCats in 1994, and the Falcons were the replacement expansion team — it was named after Andy and Amelia, a pair of nesting peregrines that were a civic symbol at the time. The Coyotes bought the team, and subsequently moved it to Tuscon in 2016. A group of local business interests bought the Portland Pirates, moved them to Springfield, and that’s the Thunderbirds.
Hypothetically, they would join an exclusive club (California, New York, and Pennsylvania) as the only states to hold a team in all three of the top North American hockey leagues.
North Carolina has all 3:
Greensboro in the ECHL
Charlotte in the AHL
Carolina (Raleigh) in the NHL
Heck, it’s not as if the research is hard. The Wikipedia articles for all three leagues have stylized maps with member teams noted over an overlay of the states and provinces.
And there are more states to boot. Illinois (Blackhawks, Chicago Wolves, Bloomington Bison), Texas (Stars, Texas Stars, Allen Americans), Nevada (Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights, Tahoe Knight Monsters), Ohio (Blue Jackets, Cleveland Monsters, Cincinnati Cyclones/Toledo Walleye), and one province, Quebec: (Canadiens, Laval Rocket, Trois-Rivieres Lions).
Very sloppy.
It’s… not very informed. Sounds like there’s a lot of states under this category.
Although, if the goal was engagement, they won lol