With the NHL announcing an agreement to consider an application for an expansion franchise in Seattle, it's time to start brainstorming ideas for a potential team name.
A city located by the Pacific Ocean with plenty of mountains and a diverse wildlife, there are many elements that relate strongly to Seattle, which usually brings out the most creative ideas when branding a new team.
Without further ado, here are 15 possible team names for Seattle's potential NHL franchise:
Bonanzas: Bonanza Peak is the fifth-highest mountain peak in all of Washington. Plus, as a city with numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon, it fits the definition of "something that is very valuable, profitable, or rewarding," per Merriam-Webster.
Cascades: The Cascade Mountain Range (also referred to as Cascades) is the tallest mountain range in Washington, and one of the longest mountain ranges in North America, stretching from British Columbia to California.
Chickadees: Birds usually make for pretty good team names, so why not go with one of the more popular ones in Seattle? It gets its name from the sound it makes: Chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee.
Cougars: Cougars are pretty cool animals, and with all of the mountains nearby, there have been cougar sightings near Seattle in the past.
Eagles: A simple, yet effective team. Eagles are very common in Seattle.
Evergreens: Seattle's nickname is the "Emerald City," due to the evergreen forests in the area. Naming your team after a tree may not seem ideal, but the "Seattle Evergreens" has a pretty nice ring to it.
Glaciers: Glacier Peak is the fourth-highest mountain in Washington.
Metropolitans: This wouldn't be Seattle's first hockey team. In 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans became the first American team to win the Stanley Cup before folding in 1924.
Mountaineers: As you may have noticed, Seattle is known for its mountains, so why not pay homage to those brave enough to climb them?
Mountain Lions: Another name for cougar, but still cool.
Rainiers: Mount Rainier is the highest mountain peak in Washington. Plus, it rains a lot in Seattle. The only problem with this is the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma is named the Rainiers, so some sort of agreement would have to be worked out.
Salmon: Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle is famous for their Salmon toss. Maybe if the team was named after the fish, this could become a ritual at their games?
Sandpipers: Out of all these team names, the Seattle Sandpipers might have the best ring to it. The Sandpiper is a popular type of bird in the city.
Sea Otters: Sea otters live in shallow coastal waters off the northern Pacific. They're underrated intelligent animals.
Space Needles: The Space Needle observation tower is Seattle's most iconic landmark, and possibly the first thing you think off when someone mentions Seattle.
Which team name do you like the best?
