Oklahoma City’s American Hockey League team officially has a name: The Oklahoma City Barons. After an exhaustive process which included over 20,000 submissions and 3,000 individual names from hockey fans the city’s newest hockey team now has an identity.
The Oklahoma City Barons will begin play in October at the newly renovated Cox Convention Center. The Barons will play in the American Hockey League as the primary developmental franchise for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.
“Thanks to the hockey fans in Oklahoma City, my staff and the staff of the Edmonton Oilers for their assistance in this project,” said Prodigal LLC owner Robert Funk Jr. “Our goal was to find a crisp, clean mark and name that related to Oklahoma City on multiple levels. Further, we believe the elements within the logo can stand on their own as marks in Oklahoma City, but also tell the story of our partnership with Edmonton.”
“The choice of the name Barons symbolizes many aspects of the spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship that exists in Oklahoma,” Funk continued. “The city of Oklahoma City continues its growth on a local, national and international scale in large part to the entrepreneurial spirit and vision of its citizens.”
“I am proud to welcome the Oklahoma City Barons and the fan base in Oklahoma City to the American Hockey League,” said AHL President and CEO David Andrews. “The rich hockey tradition in Oklahoma City will be an excellent fit with our other 29 member cities across the U.S. and Canada. As the AHL eyes its historic 75th season of play, Barons fans can look forward to seeing intense competition, strong rivalries and the best young players in the world as they prepare for careers in the NHL.”
The Barons will utilize the navy blue and copper colors of their parent club in Edmonton for their home and road jerseys. The logo was created by the Barons with design assistance provided by the Edmonton.
Oklahoma City’s newest hockey team will play in the American Hockey League. The AHL, currently in its 74th season of play, serves as the primary developmental league for all 30 NHL teams. Over 85 percent of players currently playing in the NHL are graduates of the AHL. The AHL is played in major North American cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Chicago, Austin, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Charlotte.
Season tickets are available for the 10-11 season by calling 232-GOAL (4625) or by visiting the Barons website at okcbarons.com.
