The Utah Grizzlies have stunned the ECHL world, and their fans, late Sunday evening when the team announced the formal process to explore a possible sale and relocation. This news comes just a season after the Utah Mammoth (formerly called the Utah Hockey Club) relocated less than 10 miles away. Utah is currently affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles.
The Grizzlies have been in Utah since the 2005-2006 season, the longest the franchise has been in one location. Utah’s newest NHL team isn’t the only issue mentioned.
The passing of owner Dave Elmore in 2023 and the now declining health of his wife may have played a part in this decision. The Elmore Sports group bought the team after they had been dormant for two years and moved the team to Utah shortly thereafter. More recently, Kevin Bruder, the General Manager of the Maverik Center and the President and CEO of the Grizzlies, passed away in May. The Grizzlies have not filled the position since his passing.
During the 2023-24 season, the Grizzlies averaged 6,000 fans, one of their largest attendances in a year where they had just missed out on the Kelly Cup Playoffs. This past season, a year in which they finished 28th in the league, their attendance dropped by almost 1,000 fans. Relocation is no stranger to the Grizzlies, as they’ve had nine different name changes and moved seven different times.
Despite the news, the team and ownership group remain committed to fielding a successful team at the Maverick Center for the 2025-26 season. No further details on a potential sale or relocation were made avaliable. However, any updates provided by the team of league will be shared as they are announced.
ITR 49: For Real This Time – Inside The Rink
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