The Gulls name has always had a home in San Diego, and it's been used on and off by sports teams since 1966. It's back once again and this time, it will be an American Hockey League team, one of five being shifted to California to form a Pacific Division.
Anaheim Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli and co-owner Jillian Samueli made the announcement Sunday during Hockeyfest, reiterating the choice for the team name was heavily influenced by the "obvious affinity and affection fans have for the Gulls name."
Hockeyfest is a celebration for hockey finally returning to San Diego. The Samuelis were joined by Willie O'Ree, a local hockey icon, and Mayor Kevin Faulconer during the event, as well as 8,500 hockey fans at the Valley View Casino Center. The affiliate team formerly played in Norfolk, Va.
"We enthusiastically embrace the history and tradition of hockey in this market, and plan on adding to its legacy with a community-first organization and winning product," said Henry and Susan Samueli.
"We plan to become more than just San Diego's hockey team but rather, a part of the city's DNA and fabric," added Mr. Samueli before breaking a massive ice block to officially reveal the new logo of the San Diego Gulls.
The team's new logo is a homage to the West Coast Hockey League Gulls logo but features the color palette and design elements of the Ducks, including the Anaheim team's windswept font. the Gulls' signature blue is added, however, as a homage to community tradition and hockey history. New colors for the clubs will be blue, black and orange.
Other AHL affiliates besides San Jose getting West Coast teams in the five-team Pacific Division expansion include the Los Angeles Kings in Ontario; the Edmonton Oilers in Bakersfield; the San Jose Sharks in San Jose; and the Calgary Flames in Stockton.
Professional hockey began in San Diego with the Skyhawks under the Pacific Coast Hockey League. The Gulls name was previously used by the Western Hockey League team from 1966 to 1974, by the International Hockey League team from 1990 to 1995, the WCHL team from 1995 to 2003 and the East Coast Hockey League team from 2003 to 2006. It's nearly 10 years since the Gulls name was used in San Diego.
The Gulls will be playing at the Valley View Casino Center. Formerly called the San Diego Sports Arena, the casino center underwent a renovation amounting to $2.5 million.
