"Utah Yeti rolls off the tongue nicely" - Veteran defenseman Ian Cole supportive of popular proposed name for Utah Hockey Club

NHL veteran Ian Cole has talked about his new team, the Utah Hockey Club, and the potential names the new franchise could take on next season. On Friday's episode of the "Utah Puck Report," Cole discussed his support for the name “Utah Yeti.”

When asked about his favorite name from the final six options, Cole said he and his family haven’t picked one yet. While he noted that the choice would be made by a fan vote, Cole liked “Utah Yeti” because it sounded good.

"You know, we haven't discussed it at length, so can't say if they have favorites." Cole said. "And ultimately, like, I think it's going to come down to a fan vote.

"So ultimately, the fans, you know, want, we'll all be happy with for sure. I will say there's something. The Utah Yeti rolls out the tongue very nicely just from, you know, linguistic perspective."

Jay Stevens, the host, said that many players prefer “Yeti,” and Cole agreed. He added that he hasn’t talked to his teammates about the name but thinks “Yeti” is popular.

Talking more about the guys he has played with, Cole said:

"I played with Kerfoot (Alexander Kerfoot) in Colorado. I played with Bukes dad in Minnesota, and then obviously played with Sergi (Mikhail Sergachev) in Tampa."

Cole, who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, has played for several NHL teams. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2007 and has since played for the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Lightning and Vancouver Canucks.

Ian Cole said he is excited to start the season with his new team and looks forward to getting to work.

GM Bill Armstrong wants Ian Cole to be a role model for youngsters

On July 1, the Utah Hockey Club signed defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year contract. General Manager Bill Armstrong praised Cole as a proven winner and a strong role model for younger players.

“Ian is a proven winner and a true professional on and off the ice,” Armstrong said, (via the NHL website). “He has a great work ethic and is an excellent role model for our younger players. We’re thrilled to have him signed to our organization.”

Last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Ian Cole had two goals, nine assists and 61 penalty minutes in 78 games. He led the team with 166 blocked shots. In the previous season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he recorded three goals, 14 assists and 61 penalty minutes. Cole has played 826 regular-season games and 129 playoff games in his 14-year NHL career.