Name our new AHL team

[earlywinegareth]

Since natural gas production is big in OKC, I present to you:

The OKC Fumes

Yeah, not really...but there should be some good ones out there...or do we resurrect the Blazers name?

[OKC@heart]

I am sure that there will be strong opinions for both new and for keeping with the team of the past. I for one feel that if we kept the old name (where as there was a good history with the Blazers) we would be missing a great opportunity that comes with a new franchise and a new identity. Reviving the Blazers identity could create disillusionment with the old fans when the team and experience are not the same, which it will certainly not be. The Blazers were a great chapter for the city and were a building block that certainly has led to the possibilities of both the NBA and AHL coming to our great city. But it should remain there in the past to allow for new growth to emerge that will far exceed the benchmark we achieved with the Blazers.
A new Franchise with a new name and local identity creates another reason for citizens of the city and state to come to OKC and see what is happening and support a new team. This will capture both the old blazer fans as well as those who may not have really gotten behind the Blazers previously. Then there is the merchandizing. A new team means a new look and new team jerseys and all of the other memorabilia to market and sell to fans. In this case definitely a new identity is warranted.

[smooth]

It's already an established name known nationwide... B-L-A-Z-E-R-S!!!

[gmwise]

no

[smooth]

no

Now THAT'S original. The Oklahoma City no.

[gmwise]

the squirters?

[dmoor82]

BLAZERS!!!!! would be my first choice,but I also like Storm.

[krisb]

How about the Naturals? Natural gas, natural resources, natural friendliness, natural people.

[Dave Cook]

Then there is the merchandizing. A new team means a new look and new team jerseys and all of the other memorabilia to market and sell to fans. In this case definitely a new identity is warranted.

This is actually a pretty funny statement.

You obviously didn't follow the Oklahoma City Blazers very closely following their first major uniform redesign at the end of the 94-95 season.

In the subsequent 14 seasons, I believe the front office changed uniform designs, colours, and logos 14 times in endless attempts at selling more merchandise.

[n8ison]

how about the OKC Compressors?
...you know for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

[gmwise]

Naturals
or the Compressors
or the Cornetts..lol

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City Ice Barons

[jmlight]

I like the Oklahoma City Wind.

When it was first suggested for the NBA team, I hated it, but it sort of grew on me. And it's appropriate (for Oklahoma City, not for being a product of the Oilers).

Wichita had a hockey team called the Wind in the 80's. Wichita Wind rolls of the tongue a little better than Oklahoma City Wind, but I still like it. It's different.

My first choice would be Blazers, but my second choice is Wind.

[fuzzytoad]

I like the Oklahoma City Wind.

yeah, because *nobody* will make any fart jokes.

[smooth]

yeah, because *nobody* will make any fart jokes.

Would the mascot be called "Breaker?"

I know! "It's a fast break... The Wind!"

[Watson410]

I like Oklahoma City Barons... as i did with the NBA name too. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense!! What is OKC/Oklahoma know for? Oil... We're OIL Barons. What team is OKC representing? Edmondton Oilers... It's perfect!! Oklahoma City Barons!! Not Ice Barons, not Oil Barons... just Barons

[OKC@heart]

I made a post right after the announcement was made, that I thought that since was already have the Thunder the new team should be named The Oklahoma City Storm. Put them together and you get the Thunderstorm nothing says Oklahoma like a Thunderstorm. It seems thematic to me anyway. The Barons would be ok as well, but it kind of draws a connotation that may not help us be as supportive of what OKC is all about. True, it is rich with a heritage of Oil and still is and will be for the foreseeable future, however there is also a negative association with the term baron that might have an unintended effect. A name should be accessible enough and non-exclusive so that folks from all areas of the country feel welcome to identify with them and become fans. I am not saying that they can't be location driven because they should be, but with care in what it says about the area and how it might be perceived by others as well. Just my thoughts...for what its worth.

[smooth]

I made a post right after the announcement was made, that I thought that since was already have the Thunder the new team should be named The Oklahoma City Storm. Put them together and you get the Thunderstorm nothing says Oklahoma like a Thunderstorm. It seems thematic to me anyway. The Barons would be ok as well, but it kind of draws a connotation that may not help us be as supportive of what OKC is all about. True, it is rich with a heritage of Oil and still is and will be for the foreseeable future, however there is also a negative association with the term baron that might have an unintended effect. A name should be accessible enough and non-exclusive so that folks from all areas of the country feel welcome to identify with them and become fans. I am not saying that they can't be location driven because they should be, but with care in what it says about the area and how it might be perceived by others as well. Just my thoughts...for what its worth.

Funny how we went through this about 18 months ago. All the bats come out of their caves with the silly names, the rednecks come out with their hick names that draw attention to the stereotype image we are trying to change (why do you think Clay chose Thunder), and the people who are easily offended come out also. All fail to remember the richest tradition in Oklahoma City hockey... Blazers. It is already established, already has name recognition (continent wide), and has a very large fan base.

Several reasons to stay with the name you know... OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS!

[gmwise]

I feel ill someone from a local Media Sports desk mention the Tornados?
please tell me its not happening!!!

[smooth]

I feel ill someone from a local Media Sports desk mention the Tornados?
please tell me its not happening!!!

Like I said...

[earlywinegareth]

Please not another reference to the weather. Thunder was bad enough.

This one MUST be relevant.

Why not correct a mistake from the past and name them the 89'ers!?

[decepticobra]

i favor the "Oklahoma City Pioneers" or the "Oklahoma Outlaws".

[smooth]

i favor the "Oklahoma City Pioneers" or the "Oklahoma Outlaws".

Like I said... (see my long post)

[gmwise]

Really am not getting any peace of mind here..lol

[Dustin]

OKC Barons and Wind are great I think.