Smith Entertainment Group addresses the logistics and politics of bringing the NHL to Utah [Video]

SALT LAKE CITY — On Friday, the NHL and the new owners of the Utah NHL team discussed the exciting opportunities that the team can bring to Beehive State.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joined the new team owners, Ryan and Ashley Smith of the Smith Entertainment Group, at the Delta Center in front of a packed room filled with the press.

Ryan Smith said the deal between them and the NHL happened fast, and he wasn’t entirely sure until Tuesday night that they had a team. He said the NHL Board of Governors approved the transfer of the Arizona Coyotes move Thursday, and everyone signed the paperwork at 2 a.m. Friday.

Bettman said this process and Utahn’s reactions made it clear that Utah has what it takes to be successful as the home to an NHL franchise.

“We focused on the fact that these are the owners we want, and this is the type of community that …