The recent rebranding of the Utah Hockey Club to the Utah Mammoth has elicited excitement from NHL fans across Utah and beyond. This change, inspired by the majestic mammoths that roamed the region 10,000 years ago, has resonated deeply with the team at the Natural History Museum of Utah.
Team members have been seen celebrating this news, equating it to their own version of the Stanley Cup—a scientific triumph that beautifully highlights Utah’s rich paleontological heritage.
The Columbian mammoths that once inhabited Utah, alongside their famous Woolly counterparts, are emblematic of the Ice Age. These powerful creatures, with their imposing size, create a fitting mascot for Utah’s hockey community, both on and off the ice.
However, as the museum reflects on the change, one must wonder: What if the Utah Hockey Club had chosen a different Ice Age creature to represent their team? With the museum’s latest exhibition, Mysteries of the Ice Ages, set to run until January 4, 2026, it’s the perfect time to explore other remarkable extinct animals that once called North America home and could have been suitable mascots for an NHL team.
One fascinating option is the dire wolf, which has been gaining attention in popular culture. Despite rumors of “cloned” dire wolves being reintroduced to ecological systems, science confirms that this species has not been resurrected.
Imagery of fierce canines often comes to mind when thinking of dire wolves, traditionally influenced by various film and television portrayals. Historically, it was thought that the gray wolf was the dire wolf’s closest living relative; recent research, however, indicates otherwise.
Studies have shown that dire wolves, now scientifically reclassified to Aenocyon dirus, share a closer relationship with African jackals than with today’s gray wolves. Although dire wolves might make for an intimidating mascot, their fossil record in Utah is not nearly as prolific as the mammoth, disrupting the connection to the new Utah Mammoth brand.
Another formidable contender could have been the saber-toothed cat (Smilodon fatalis), an animal synonymous with agility and ferocity. Recognizable by their elongated canine teeth, these large felines were fierce predators, comparable in size to modern lions.
Saber-toothed cats roamed North America during the Late Pleistocene, showcasing short bobtails and a set of 11 sharp teeth. Interestingly, they are often misidentified as “saber-toothed tigers,” despite the fact they belong to the distinct subfamily Machairodontinae. Unlike most contemporary big cats, saber-toothed cats relied on ambush tactics rather than chasing after prey.
For a team seeking a mascot that exemplifies speed and power, the giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus) presents another exciting option. Towering at five feet tall at the shoulders and up to 12 feet when upright, this bear species was the fastest bear ever to exist.
Often called the bulldog bear, the giant short-faced bear could sprint at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour, showcasing an impressive combination of size and agility. Possessing a robust jaw capable of crushing bones to access marrow, this massive carnivore hunted a variety of prey, including bison and ground sloths.
If the Utah Hockey Club were inclined to choose a mascot with deeper roots in Utah’s geological history, the giant ground sloth would be an excellent contender. Utah’s past has unearthed two species of ground sloths, one of which, Jefferson’s ground sloth (Megalonyx jeffersoni), was found near Provo. Named after Thomas Jefferson, who is linked to the early study of paleontology, this giant creature reached the size of a bison and stood an astonishing 12 feet tall at the shoulders.
Harlan’s ground sloth (Paramylodon harlani), another type discovered in Utah, was even larger and named in honor of 19th-century paleontologist Richard Harlan. Their significant size and relevance within Utah’s fossil record make giant ground sloths appealing as potential mascots.
However, their limited agility and mild temperament contrast with the fierce image expected of a hockey team mascot, especially compared to the dire wolf and the grandeur of the mammoth.
Finally, one could consider the giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis), who roamed North America approximately 10,000 years ago. These massive rodents were astonishingly large, weighing around 220 pounds and standing five feet tall.
While they shared certain physical similarities with modern beavers, there were key differences, including blunt and bulky teeth and the absence of paddle-like tails. Instead, their tails resembled that of rats. The giant beaver primarily feasted on aquatic plants and did not construct dams or fell trees for shelter, making them less intimidating as a mascot.
In summary, while the Ice Age epoch featured a wide variety of remarkable creatures, the Utah Hockey Club’s choice of the Utah Mammoth offers a strong connection to Utah’s geological past. As the NHL season approaches, the mammoth mascot resonates well with fans and serves as a powerful symbol of the team’s identity.
To engage in the spirit of the mammoth and learn more about Ice Age creatures, visitors can enjoy the ongoing exhibition, Mysteries of the Ice Ages, at the Natural History Museum of Utah. This exhibition explores the fascinating era of mammoths, mastodons, giant bears, and saber-toothed cats.
Don’t miss the chance to visit this captivating exhibit while celebrating the history and legacy of the Ice Age. Experience the wonders of our not-so-distant past, and appreciate the pride that comes with being Utah’s hockey fans.
Tusks up, Utah!
image source from：attheu
