Utah Grizzlies
The Utah Grizzlies are an American professional ice hockey team. They began playing in 1992 in the Central Hockey League (CHL). The team now plays in the ECHL. They play their home games in West Valley City, Utah at Maverik Center. They are the ECHL affiliate for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). They are also the affiliates for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL).
| Utah Grizzlies | |
|---|---|
| City | West Valley City, Utah |
| League | ECHL |
| Conference | Western |
| Division | Mountain |
| Founded | 1981 (in the CHL) |
| Home arena | Maverik Center |
| Colours | Green, black, copper, white |
| General manager | Ryan Kinasewich |
| Head coach | Ryan Kinasewich |
| Affiliate(s) | Colorado Avalanche (NHL) Colorado Eagles (AHL) |
Website Official website | |
| Franchise history | |
| 1981–1983 | Nashville South Stars |
| 1983–1990 | Virginia Lancers |
| 1990–1992 | Roanoke Valley Rebels |
| 1992–1993 | Roanoke Valley Rampage |
| 1993–1994 | Huntsville Blast |
| 1994–2001 | Tallahassee Tiger Sharks |
| 2001–2002 | Macon Whoopee |
| 2002–2003 | Lexington Men O' War |
| 2005–present | Utah Grizzlies |
The team first started in 1981 as the Nashville South Stars in the Central Hockey League (CHL). They would last a year before moving to Vinton, Virginia to become the Virginia Lancers as a part of what would become the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Throughout the years, the name would go through many different names including the Roanoke Valley Rebels from 1990 until 1992, Roanoke Valley Rampage from 1992 until 1993, Huntsville Blast from 1993 until 1994, Tallahassee Tiger Sharks from 1994 until 2001, Macon Whoopee from 2001 until 2002, and the Lexington Men O' War 2002 until 2003.[1]
The Utah Grizzlies name was also used for a team in the International Hockey League (IHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) from 1995 until 2005.[2]
On October 21, 2005, the Utah Grizzlies would play their first game in the ECHL. They would be defeat the Phoenix Roadrunners 4–2.[3]
On June 28, 2018, the Grizzlies and the Colorado Avalanche announced their affiliation.[4] The Oilers were formerly affiliates of the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, and Anaheim Ducks.[5][6][7]
References
- ↑ "Grizzlies are looking to skate in East Coast Hockey League". Deseret News. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Utah Grizzlies History". Utah Grizzlies. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Grizz fall to Roadrunners in ECHL opener". Deseret News. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Utah Grizzlies Announce Affiliation With Colorado Avalanche". ECHL. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Grizzlies, Islanders announce affiliation". Deseret News. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Grizzlies extend relationship with Calgary Flames". KSL. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Utah Grizzlies announce affiliation with Anaheim Ducks". Deseret News. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
