Noooooo!
According to a report from FOX 13 Salt Lake, the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies are expected to relocate to after the upcoming season.
Just last month, the team 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.
"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.
Flash forward to today and a copy of a resolution to be presented to Salt Lake City (West Valley City) Council next week was obtained by FOX 13. It contains request for approval of the sale of the team to "Pro Hockey Partners LLC," was obtained by FOX 13 News. In a somewhat unusual arrangement, West Valley City is actually a minor shareholder in the team, and thus, the mayor and city council have to approve any sale.
"The vote on Tuesday is for consent for a sale. That’s pretty much all we’re willing to disclose at this point," Andrew Carroll, West Valley City's director of asset optimization, told FOX 13 News in an interview Thursday.
Asked specifically if the team is staying here, Carroll replied: "The club will not be at the Maverik Center."
"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.
There are rumors that they are being purchased by a group based out of New Jersey.
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