“Flint Tropics” among potential names for OHL franchise

By @SKubus –

Flint’s new Ontario Hockey League franchise may be closer to its official name.

The Plymouth Whalers are relocating to Flint for the 2015-16 OHL season after the franchise’s sale to IMS Hockey Corp was officially announced Jan. 14, and they’re asking fans to submit name ideas – but they have already locked down some possible choices.

As first reported by MLive, IMS Hockey Corp. registered two names on Jan. 30 before the OHL even approved the sale of the Whalers: “Flint Tropics” and “Flint Pride.” Additionally, on Feb. 6, “Flint Sparks,” “Flint Phoenix” and “Flint Vikings” were also filed. All filings are valid through Dec. 31, 2020.

The official filings for the names are publicly available on the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

The Tropics name is famous for a 2008 Will Ferrell comedy filmed in Flint, “Semi-Pro,” which revolved around a basketball team under the same name.

The “Flint Generals” name of old International Hockey League fame, was another registered on Jan. 9, but since the Oshawa Generals already exist in the OHL, league commissioner David Branch told MLive last month having two teams with the same nickname was not an option.

#YES Flint OHL team submits “Flint Tropics” as possible team name. More info & jerseys HERE: http://t.co/qjaBVIm4hy pic.twitter.com/HmngZ0qK60

— BarDown (@BarDown) February 9, 2015

A naming contest was launched Wednesday, where people could fill out an online form to suggest a name, logo and set of team colors. The winning entrant–as decided by IMS Hockey, Perani Arena front office staff and the OHL4Flint community advisory board–will receive a pair of season tickets to Flint’s inaugural 2015-16 season and an authentic jersey autographed by the team.

The contest is set to end Feb. 11 with the official name and logo unveiling set for Feb. 20.