Ryan Smith Makes Pitch To Bring The NHL To Salt Lake City
The Arizona Coyotes may have to move. That part isn’t a secret. What we don’t know is if the Coyotes move, where will the NHL locate them? Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith is ready to make his pitch in order to bring the NHL to Salt Lake City. The Jazz already have the arena part taken care of so on paper this could be a fit.
“I think, for a whole host of reasons, we’re not only ready, but hockey would thrive here the same it has in Seattle and also in Vegas,” Smith told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. (don’t click the link it’s behind paywall).
“Everything is close,” he said. “We’re the fastest-growing state. We’re the youngest state. You look at our Utah Jazz, we sold out like 240 straight games in the NBA with three different makeups of a team, right? The fans, when they go in, they go in. We’re starting to see this massive movement toward in-person sports, and I think it’s definitely on the rise, and I’m really intrigued with hockey.”
“From my standpoint, we have a huge opportunity to build something unique. And I think hockey is a big catalyst for that. I think we can create an experience that’s both incredible for the NBA and for hockey.”
Ryan Smith became the Jazz majority owner in 2020. He also bought the MLS team Real Salt Lake in 2022. The biggest problem with the Coyotes is that they don’t have a home. Well, Smith has one in Utah and it’s something the NHL needs to seriously consider.
Does hockey fit in Utah? Make sure to comment if you agree or disagree.
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