A capacity crowd turned out at the Delta Center to welcome the new NHL Team. To many it was a surprise, to others it was the legacy of the original professional hockey team — the Salt Lake Golden Eagles.
The Golden Eagles came to Salt Lake City in 1969 and Utah’s love affair with hockey began as soon as they played their first game. As a youngster I attended games and played hockey in a youth league. Since then, I have been a lifelong hockey fan, due to the Golden Eagles influence.
The Golden Eagles won five championships. They made appearances all over the valley and were involved with the community. They were a solid organization that lasted 25 years. The Golden Eagles were Utah’s hockey team! Then they were sold.
Hockey in Utah has continued to flourish with the Utah Grizzlies and during the 2002 Winter Olympics. This would not have happened without the Golden Eagles.
Smith Entertainment Group is looking for a name for this “new” team. Name them the Utah Golden Eagles! Some say you cannot have two “golden” team names — so make it the Utah Eagles. Or the “Utah Screamin’ Eagles.” It pays homage to Utah’s hockey past and revives a team name that is still alive in the hearts of many!
It began with the Golden Eagles and should continue their legacy of hockey in Utah!
Everen Brown, Salt Lake City
