SALT LAKE CITY – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman attended an event with Utah Hockey Club owners Ryan and Ashley Smith outside the Delta Center on Tuesday, less than six months after the league opened a new dealership.
In a press conference before Utah’s season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, Bettman said Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) exceeded the NHL’s extremely high expectations in an unprecedented time frame.
“We’re grateful to be here in Salt Lake City, and we’re grateful to have the Smiths as NHL franchise owners,” Bettman said. So we thank you for everything you have done and we know it will be a great success. »
Since the NHL created the franchise on April 18, Utah has acquired the assets of the inactive Arizona Coyotes franchise and moved management, coaches, players and staff to Salt Lake City.
Among the tasks performed by SEG, which also includes the NBA’s Utah Jazz, are the first of several phases of renovations to the Delta Center, setting up a temporary practice facility while beginning the construction of a permanent center, the design of the first edition uniforms, the development of the permanent brand identity that the team will have and much more.
“In fact, you all gave up your summer,” the commissioner smiled. You didn’t have an offseason because of the Jazz and everything that was going on. Once again, what you have accomplished is both unprecedented and remarkable. »
Ryan Smith called SEG employees “true heroes.”
“You did all of this with Utah in mind, and I hope you take a moment to appreciate what you all have accomplished,” he said.
The Arizona franchise became inactive due to its problems finding an arena in the Phoenix area. The birth of the Utah Hockey Club was possible thanks to a public-private partnership. We also found local politicians at the press conference.
“It was a real team effort,” Bettman said. Without everyone’s collaboration, this project would not have seen the light of day. »
Ryan Smith said the NHL was confident the state would be on board.
“I’ve said it before, I hope we all have the same confidence in ourselves that they have in us, because that’s what we do, and there’s a way to do things the Utah way,” he explained, emphasizing that the people of Utah are used to sticking together. “It’s not very common in today’s world, and that’s why I love this place and why we chose to live here. »
Ashley Smith fired up the crowd by asking, “Are you ready to watch hockey?” Are you ready to win the Stanley Cup? » Ryan Smith added: “If you’re not enthusiastic about cheering for this team, I don’t know if sport is for you. »
He also revealed that the Delta Center would host hockey in the 2034 Olympics.
“It has to be the loudest place in all of hockey,” he said. “Opposing players must not want to come here. It’s already like that for basketball, and it must be like that for the NHL too. »
After the press conference, Commissioner Bettman was asked why the NHL decided to put a team in Utah this season rather than next year. He replied that it was best to do it as quickly as possible.
“Frankly, when we look at what has been accomplished in recent months, we are happy to have done it,” observed the commissioner. Look at all the enthusiasm we’re feeling here in Utah. »
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