Local sports play the name game

Written by Curtis J. Phillips
Wednesday, 11 January 2012 14:47

What will be the name of our first minor league sports team when the Fort McMurray (to be named) step out onto the field to play ball in the North American Baseball League, be it in 2012 or 2013?

A catchy name, team colours and logo will be huge when it comes not only to marketing but perception.

I have always had fun playing the name game, be it in print or electronic mediums. Dating back to the 1980s in tagging Keyano Huskies old confines as The Husky Dome to more recently, having had the honours to name Holy Trinity High School’s sports teams, coming up with Northern Knights.

Originally the Fort McMurray baseball franchise was to play in a five- or six-team Northern Division. At that time teams from the Northern Division had some catchy nicknames and logos.

But unfortunately great team colours and nicknames do not guarantee fans in the stands.

The Chico Outlaws had one of the better logos in the NABL but it was announced a few weeks ago that the team will sit out the 2012 season as they reorganize. Knowing the world of minor league sports, they probably won’t be back.

The Calgary Vipers also had one of the more distinctive logos but from what I have been told, they too have gone belly up?

The two remaining northern teams from last season are the Edmonton Capitals, who have a decent logo but lousy nickname and the Na Koa Ikaika Maui from Wailuku, Hawaii.

Scheduled to join the independent league next year in the northern division are the Fullerton Flyers and Henderson RoadRunners.

Some of the better nicknames for Fort McMurray have already being taken: Fury, Northern Knights, Knights, Trappers, Ravens, Oil Barons,  Timberwolves, Huskies, Eagles, Flyers, Bears, Dinos, Wolfpack, Fur Traders and I doubt that they would steal the local roller hockey league names Tar Sand Betties?

What would be a good name for our baseball team?

How about Fort McMurray Buffalo? Nope to simple and would suggest slow, massive players grazing on the grass in the outfield. Cool logo though.

Maybe Fort McMurray 63 in reference to our highway? Too silly.

Fort McMurray Big Spirit. Nope.

My favourite off the top of my head would have to be The Energy of Fort McMurray or Fort McMurray Energy.

What nicknames would you suggest?

Catch you on the Rebound.