WEST VALLEY, Utah (KUTV) — Don't forget, Utah already has a hockey team, thanks to an official announcement from the National Hockey League.
The Utah Grizzlies released a statement in response to the NHL coming to Salt Lake City.
The Grizzlies are in the ECHL Hockey League and play their home games at the Maverick Center.
Not far from their home base is a sports bar called Penalty Box Bar and Grill.
John Kennedy, the bar's design and marketing director, said it recently rebranded and its goal is to become known as “the official viewing spot for every NHL game.”
There are drinks with names like “Screw the Goalie” and “Icing.”
“It's just thrilling to hear that it's official today. Everyone is so excited about this. We're definitely so excited about this here,” Kennedy said. “We feel like we're in a great position being right next to the Maverick Center and being called the penalty box of the West Valley. We're really excited about hockey and the fact that the NHL is coming.”
He said Salt Lake City is the perfect location for a professional team.
“Utah is growing so much that it looks like a lot of professional sports are planned. Utah is a winter state and winter sports are our thing, so adding hockey to the list is a no-brainer. “It makes a lot of sense. A lot of skiers and snowboarders participate, and it makes a lot of sense to add a sport like this to the winter games,” he said.
Hockey fan Chris Patterson has loved coming to the penalty box for years.
Regarding Thursday's news that Utah is getting an NHL team, Patterson said, “I love the Grizzlies, but we can make it even better.”
He looks forward to seeing other professional teams play in Utah.
He said, “We're looking forward to finally having the greatest team in the country coming to our state. It's great because we don't have to travel to another location to see a great hockey game.” Told.
___
