Utah Hockey Club has officially joined the NHL.
Nearly two months after the NHL Board approved the establishment of franchise rights starting from the 2024-2025 season in Utah, Smith Entertainment Group, led by Ryan and Ashley Smith, officially completed the transaction on Thursday – announcing the establishment of Utah Hockey Club on April 18th.
“Today is a commemorative day for Utah as we officially close the establishment of a new NHL franchise,” said Ryan Smith, Governor of Utah Hockey Club and Chairman of Smith Entertainment Group. Throughout the entire process, the collaboration with NHL was incredible and provided us with valuable guidance and support. We had a lot of work to do – the training camp started in less than 100 days – and we were very excited about what was about to happen.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, “On behalf of the Council, I am pleased to officially welcome Utah to the National Hockey League. Congratulations to Ryan and Ashley Smith, their entire organization, Utah, and fans, as the club continues its exciting march towards the decline of ice hockey in October.”.