Writer: Sofi Dawalibi
Editor: Mare Lara
From the Anaheim Ducks naming their team after a Disney film – with the same logo, nonetheless – to the Bruins’ name coming from a grocery store chain, the history behind NHL’s team names has been consistently entertaining to decipher. And we don’t expect anything less from the PWHL, whose official names are still an enigma to the fans.
With every team announcing that something big is coming on the 9th of this month, there has been circulation that those teams’ real names will be revealed on the same date. Earlier this year, Lexie Adzija, an ice hockey player for PWHL Boston, seemingly leaked her team’s name when posting about her one-year contract extension.
“Boston Wicked” is a popular take of Boston fans now, its history dating back to the Salem Witch Trials that happened in the nearby area. For women to take that word that had been often used as a disparage and waver it into their team’s name is a stunning interpretation. Though Lexie solidified that speculation, the trademarks that PWHL Holdings Inc. placed in October of 2023 are simply irrefutable data. Those are Toronto Torch, Montreal Echo, Ottawa Alert, Minnesota Superior, Boston Wicked, and New York Sound. The fans have also speculated other names such as Minnesota North Stars, Boston Liberty or Wizard, New York Queens, Montreal Olympiques, and Toronto Royal.
However, there are times when sports franchises apply for multiple names – to later settle on one. – The Washington Capitals (NHL) had also trademarked the name Capitol Skates, while the San Diego Chargers (NFL) had done the same with the San Diego Stingrays. Sometimes that is done to see the fans’ reactions, while other times it is merely done on account of indecision. This could easily be round one of multiple names to come.
The announcement on the 9th could also be a request to vote for the fans, potentially giving us options to choose from to brand the teams. It wouldn’t be the first time sports enthusiasts have been integrated into decisions regarding rebrands, as the NHL has done it for over two decades now. Back in 1992, when the Ottawa Senators were reintroduced, fans had a say in the name through public vote – hence the “Senators,” which’s name has historical significance, – in the 2000’s. When the fans were invited to vote on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ name, referencing the state of Ohio's Civil War history and the Vegas Knights, which was a bit more non-traditional, the team held a public contest for its name before their inaugural season. It would be a way to bring in more people and create involvement that would later result in higher numbers of spectators, who would be excited to watch games of a team they have named.
Whether we like the teams’ names or not, labeling a team is major in terms of defining its identity and it’ll be much simpler to publicize the franchise. Waiting a season to properly choose a name and logo is wise to make sure whatever decision they make is the right one. One consensus is that the league will grow significantly once those teams have a staple attached to their names. This is one of the most exciting parts!
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