In a bold move from the desert of Arizona to the snowy slopes of Salt Lake City, the Utah Hockey Club made a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and players alike – they would forego having a name in their inaugural season. The intrigue surrounding the mysterious moniker of the team only added to the excitement building up to the 2025-26 NHL season.
One player, however, couldn’t help but offer a tantalizing clue as to what the team name might be. Clayton Keller, a forward for the Utah Hockey Club, hinted at the possibility of the team being called the Yeti during the NHL North American Players Media Tour. “It sounds like it’s going to be the Yeti, but I don’t know,” Keller revealed to NHL.com. “We’ll see what happens. Whatever they choose, I think it’ll be a good one. It’s just part of the excitement of being part of something new.”
As a former Arizona Coyotes player drafted seventh overall in 2016, Keller is no stranger to the NHL scene. However, this season marks a new chapter in his career as he embarks on his eighth NHL season with a new team in a new city. The anticipation and nervous energy of starting afresh in Utah are palpable, but Keller is focused on embracing the change and the opportunities it presents.
“You’re excited to be with the guys again,” Keller shared. “You’re excited to compete again. And now, with this situation, going into a new situation, a new fan base, things like that, I think it’s super exciting.”
The unveiling of the team’s new home in Utah was a grand affair, with more than 12,000 fans welcoming the franchise with open arms at the Delta Center. Keller, along with former Coyotes players and management, felt the warmth and excitement of the new fan base as they stepped foot in their new hockey haven.
Having visited Salt Lake City a few times over the summer, Keller has now settled in full-time, eagerly awaiting the start of training camp. “I’ve been there for a couple of weeks now and the living seems super easy and convenient,” Keller remarked. “Everything seems close. We all live within 10 minutes of each other. I really think it’s going to be an easy transition for sure.”
With a new team, a new city, and a new chapter in his career, Clayton Keller is ready to embrace the challenges and the excitement that lie ahead with the Utah Hockey Club. The mystery of the team name only adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming season, leaving fans and players alike eagerly awaiting the grand reveal.
