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NHL Team Name Origins: Western Conference

By Alyssa Naimoli

May 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view of the T-Mobile Arena adjacent to the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view of the T-Mobile Arena adjacent to the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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arizona coyotes
NHL Team Name Origins: Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) celebrates with left wing Anthony Duclair (10), defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) and center Max Domi (16) after scoring a goal in the third period against the Dallas Stars at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Turn To The Reliable Fan-Vote

The original Winnipeg Jets relocated in 1996 and found a new home in Arizona. Management immediately turned to a name-the-team contest to give the new franchise the perfect name.

The first place name was the Coyotes, which narrowly beat out “Scorpions.” The coyote is Arizona’s most feared predator, which made it the perfect name for a tough new team.

Though originally the Phoenix Coyotes, the team formally became the Arizona Coyotes at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

The Arizona Coyotes was a fitting name for the team, especially after changing the team’s geographical name.  The right logo and the perfect color scheme gave Arizona just the right brand that their state would come to love.

Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Jiri Hudler (24) celebrates his goal with teammates against the New York Islanders during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Team Name Origins: Calgary Flames left wing Jiri Hudler (24) celebrates his goal with teammates against the New York Islanders during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Flame On

The Flames originated in Atlanta in 1972. The team relocated in 1980 and moved to its new home in Calgary. Despite the location change, the team decided to keep the original name, the Flames.

The name traces back to the burning of Atlanta by General William T. Sherman during the Civil War.   “Flames” seemed fitting for the Atlanta-based team and after the relocation, it was a good homage to the team’s roots.

Alternatively, the Calgary Flames also received a name that was as exciting as a hockey game could be, which perfectly fits the team’s pace.

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