From the Railers and Nailers to the Solar Bears and Swamp Rabbits, the ECHL packs a lot of creativity into its team names. Here are seven that caught our eye. And be sure to head to Maverik Center to check out your favorite the next time they visit our Utah Grizzlies.

Florida Everblades

Because we’re suckers for a good pun.

Orlando Solar Bears

Florida for the win … again! And check out the team’s shades-wearing mascot. Pure brilliance!

Greenville Swamp Rabbits

What is a swamp rabbit? Does it really matter? We love this playful team name. 

Wheeling Nailers

Local fans chose the name Nailers in the late 1990s to honor this West Virginia city’s history as a hub for nail manufacturing.

Worcester Railers

Just like their partners in rhyme, the Nailers, this amazing name is a nod to an industry with a storied history in Central Massachusetts. The Railers aren’t playing in 2020-21 because of the pandemic, but be sure to catch them in Utah next season!

Newfoundland Growlers

This team name incorporates A+ wordplay, riffing off the burly dog breed that shares a name with the Canadian province the Growlers call home. The sharp black and gold logo is the icing on the cake. Like the Railers, the Growlers are sitting out the 2020-21 season.

Idaho Steelheads

Freshwater fish don’t get much love in the sports world, which is why we love the Steelheads as a nickname. Think about it. Saltwater species hog all the attention. You have the Sharks in the National Hockey League, and the Marlins and Rays (yes, they’re actually fish) in Major League Baseball. Even a mythical sea monster gets a team name thanks to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. But you won’t find much freshwater fish representation. You have the Gwinnett Stripers (named for striped bass) in Triple-A baseball and not much else. Steelheads, represent! Note: The Steelheads are also sitting out the 2020-21 season.

More Fun Close to Home

For more fun things to do close to home in South Jordan, Utah, visit the Olympus at the District blog.