Historic minor league team forced to relocate by NHL team

In June the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies announced that it was exploring selling the team to out of market investors after failing to negotiate terms with the NHL's Utah Mammoth that would enable the city to support both franchises. The Grizzlies are currently the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, for what that's worth.

"This step comes with deep reflection and heartfelt appreciation for a community that has embraced the Grizzlies for nearly three decades," a Facebook post from the Grizzlies read.

Yesterday, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that indeed the team has been purchased by a group based out of New Jersey and will relocate to Trenton, NJ for the 2026-27 season.

No word yet on if the team will be rebranded as the New Jersey Titans or otherwise, or if they'll retain the moniker Grizzlies. I've never heard of a grizzly bear in New Jersey before, but then again I've never heard of them in Memphis, TN either...

Seravalli actually reports that there will be a 'Name the Team' contest held locally.

From Seravalli:

"It’s heartbreaking, honestly. We have members of our booster club and fans that have been coming since the Grizzlies came to West Valley City," said Cydne Butler, the president of the Growlin' Grizzlies Booster Club.

The booster club is made up of fiercely loyal Grizzlies fans who also offer support for the team's young players making their way in the professional hockey world. Butler said they basically "adopt" the team players and provide meals and other support.

"I think we’re losing a little piece of what made hockey great in this valley," Butler told FOX 13 News. "It’s great we have the Mammoths and an NHL team is a huge thing. But there’s a lot of our fans who may not be able to afford a ticket to see an NHL-level team. The Grizzlies provided a spot for people who couldn’t afford a ticket to enjoy professional hockey. I think it’s a real loss, honestly."

The Grizzlies have been in Utah in some shape or another going all the way back to 1995. The team has been a member of the ECHL, AHL and the IHL for different stretches.