GMW79

I *really* hope they don't go with Yeti -- very cringe. And there's that Avalanche connection... Salt Lake Golden Eagles would be excellent, except for the previously mentioned "golden" issue with Vegas, the "Utah" rather than "Salt Lake" decision, and the fact that their most recent (and best) colors were black, red, white, and gold. The NHL does not need another red and black team. The new Utah flag is an option for inspiration, but it's in the red/blue/yellow range, which is just like Colorado and the Nuggets. And the Kansas City Scouts weren't a good look, IMO. Going with a Beehive State approach requires either a state flag inspired color scheme, or the obvious black and yellow, which is also very much un-needed in the NHL and the Jazz are already trying to move on from that mistake. A black/purple/copper identity would look good, i.e. the Jazz' early 2000's third jerseys, and the NHL has no purple at the moment. Purple shoulder yokes and copper forearms on a black sweater. Black breezers, helmets, and gloves. Copper calves, thin white stripe, thin purple stripe, then black knees for the socks. "Promoting" the Grizzlies to the NHL would be the best option IMO. The colors would be unique to the NHL, the darker green and black are are a good connection to the team's most recent roots (similar to the light blue Atlanta-Winnipeg connection), and the name has been in the SLC area for almost 30 years -- keep the local tradition going. As for the timing, it's bland, but if it's needed to avoid rushing the whole process and actually getting it *right,* a year of Utah Hockey Team wearing the brick non-kachina Yotes uniforms with just "Utah" on them is far better than a permanent, mistaken alternative (like Utah Yeti).

I have a bad feeling it's going to be a white J-note on a black background to further copycat the Nets. Hope I'm wrong.

Sorry, but these are horrid. "Mashup" is right, 'cuz that teal is so forced.

Can't unthink it: the Utah Jay-Z This sucks. The J-note is a solid logo with a long tradition. I guess when the Millers sold the team, its soul was sold too. Everything Smith says in this article doesn't bode well at all. The idea that the practice facility center court logo might be a hint of things to come just further screams wannabe Nets. So lame. I think you're probably right on some level. The bright yellow makes me think of Atlanta's "volt" green. Hopefully Utah will also quickly move back to something a bit simpler. One can only hope...

Here some more Grind Line love for you:

But is looking cardable at 37 "aging well"? Just kidding! Haha!

While true for a few seasons, that's not really the case. Hossa's in his seventh season with Chicago and has won three Cups with them. He's a Blackhawk.

Hahaha! Thanks, Dexter!

No Conner McDavid photoshopped into an Oilers sweater yet?

It looks like he also wore three different helmet and cage combos...

He's dressed as a clown?

No more hamburger time.

My dad is from Detroit and the family is in Michigan, so, for me, home teams rule. Further explanation: NCAA My family has always cheered for the University of Michigan Wolverines. Two of my cousins played in the band. Fab Five, Hail to the Victors, best helmets in football, 'nuff said. NFL Detroit Lions -- Initially, my dad's influence, yes, but watching Barry Sanders when I was a kid was so much fun. Since I started taking sports more seriously (11, 12 years old?) I've been a Lions fan. Previously, I liked the Cowboys, then the Raiders. MLB Detroit Tigers -- A relatively recent, conscious decision to cheer for the home team (and I love the old English "D"). I was a loyal Yankees fan for a very long time because I really enjoyed watching them in the '90s. The team was just so entertaining to watch (Yeah, yeah, I've heard the arguments about buying championships, blah, blah, blah, but, for me, I just enjoyed seeing a good team play well). MLS Hmm... I don't really follow soccer, but I supposed I'd have to choose between Chicago and Real Salt Lake. Chicago is geographically closest to my hometown, but I spent a large portion of my youth in Utah, so I'd be inclined to cheer for RSL. NBA This is tough one. I've rooted for a big three of teams: Detroit Pistons -- My dad's influence, the home team, and I loved the Bad Boys and hated the Bulls. Phoenix Suns -- Born in AZ, Barkley, KJ, Kidd, and to some extent, Nash. Utah Jazz -- Where my fondest NBA memories lie. Stockton, Malone, Horney, Hot Rod and Booner, Jerry Sloan, listening to games on the radio whenever I could, watching games on KJZZ, watching the Bucks in person two years in a row via free tickets from the Junior Jazz program, the utterly heartbreaking back-to-back losses to Jordan. I still have a fondness for the Jazz, but being out of the state and with all of the above in the past, it's hard to really connect with the current incarnation of the team. And that brings us to the NHL and one and only team that truly matters above all others: THE Detroit Red Wings. Yeah, it started from my dad's Detroit connection to an extent, but I was the one who chose to love the team. I started following hockey and the Wings back in '94 and have been a rabid fan ever since. I don't need to list of the accomplishments the Wings have had during my fandom, but what a excellent two decades it's been. And, just for the record, the Wings could finish dead last in the NHL from now until I die, but I will still hold them above all other teams in all other sports. There's too much to be a fan of. Such a great tradition, great logo, simple, effective sweaters, some truly excellent memories, and I love hockey. The Hall of Famers (and even those who will never get there) that the Wings have had have been amazing to watch. There is nothing better than sitting down with a Little Caesar's Hot-and-Ready pepperoni pizza, some Crazy Bread, and a Vernors and watching a Red Wings hockey game. Here's the most ironic thing of all: Since my family was living in Utah at the time, if I'd gotten into hockey just one year later than I did, I would have become a deathly loyal Avalanche fan.

My fellow Brits have a thing for exclamation points. I must be considered eccentric Well, you are a hockey fan, right? (and not a fan of soccer/football, IIRC)

Also being from the GR area, all I can add is an emphatic yes, and yes.

Well, I think the Roadrunners have a better nickname than the Yotes, and the latter team's return to Winnipeg, as much as hockey fans want it, might not come true. If I was in Utah, I'd choose to watch the Grizzlies. Fair 'nuff explanations. Thanks!

So I take at that the return of the Phoenix Roadrunners and the lack of the Manitoba Moose is indicative of the Coyotes moving back to Winnipeg? I loved both growing up, I'm a bit torn between which I'd rather see: Utah Grizzlies or Salt Lake Golden Eagles.