Avalanche drop bombshell that devastates Utah hockey fans
Photo credit: KSL Sports
Utah set to lose its professional hockey team, the ECHL Grizzlies, after surprise sale of Colorado Avalanche affiliate leaves fans completely stunned.
West Valley City has officially signed off on the Grizzlies' exit from the Maverik Center, and from the state, after nearly three decades.
Utah loses pro team after Avalanche bombshell.
Daniel Lucente from House of Hockey writes that on Tuesday afternoon, the City Council unanimously approved the sale of the minor league hockey team that has called West Valley home since 1995.
Pro Hockey Partners LLC is set to purchase the Utah Grizzlies and relocate the team. Holding a 40% skate, the city was effectively pressured into approving the sale, a consequence of agreements made in 2009 to prevent the franchise from folding.
In 2009, West Valley City purchased a minority stake in the team to settle a $600,000 rental debt, paying in cash to keep the franchise afloat.
"The team said in June that it was searching for a sale. The outcome comes after the 2023 death of longtime owner David Elmore, the owner behind the Elmore Sports Group." -Lucente
With co-owner Donna Tuttle in declining health, ongoing family involvement has become untenable. While the impending loss is a tough blow for fans, the city is already shifting its focus to what comes next.
"It is a sad day for West Valley City with the Grizzlies leaving," one Grizzlies fan told the City Council on Tuesday. "I know council member Christensen and his family were regular supporters of it. I've been to lots of games. And it is a sad day. It is not a surprise, but it is a very sad day for West Valley City."
Although the arena's anchor tenant is set to depart, the City Council has approved $300,000 in initial funding to begin renovations on the Maverik Center, which first opened in 1997.
City officials remain optimistic about the arena's future, noting that the venue will continue hosting concerts and other events, and is set to play a role in the 2024 Winter Olympics.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 23 | 19 ANSWERS Avalanche drop bombshell that devastates Utah hockey fans Will this be a tough loss for the city of Utah? | ||
| yes | 11 | 57.9 % |
| no | 8 | 42.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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