Detroit’s PWHL team finally has a name. The league unveiled the Detroit Clutch on Tuesday, along with a logo that nods to the city’s car-building history. Detroit was one of four expansion teams to get its identity, alongside the Hamilton Havoc, San Jose Sea Lions, and Vegas Vanguards.
What the name and logo mean
The name works two ways. It points to the automotive legacy behind the Motor City, and it describes the kind of player or team that delivers when the pressure is highest. The league said the identity also draws on the region’s innovation, resilience, and creativity.
The logo is a circle built to look like both a wheel and an automotive clutch, with “Clutch” in chrome, Art Deco-style lettering. Vinyl-record lines inside the wheel are a nod to Motown. The team’s colors are motor black, clutch chrome, hot white, and racing red. The league said women-led PWHL design teams created all four expansion identities.
Forward Daryl Watts said she was blown away by the reveal and that the brand’s double meaning is “going to be perfect for our team.” PWHL executive Amy Scheer credited Detroit fans, who kept turning out for women’s pro hockey season after season, for bringing a team to the city.
Merchandise with the new logo is on sale now through the PWHL’s online shop and at the team store at Little Caesars Arena. The logo won’t appear on the team’s jerseys until next season, according to WDIV; this season, the expansion teams will wear their city names across the front.
Up next
The Clutch play their first game Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. Pacific (8 p.m. Eastern) against the Vanguards at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Their home opener is Saturday, Dec. 12, at noon against the New York Sirens at Little Caesars Arena.
Editor’s take
I like the name, but I don’t love it yet. I think it’s going to grow on me. What I do love is that it’s unique and rooted in Detroit and the Motor City, which is cool. And I love that it isn’t a “girls’ hockey team name.” It’s just a hockey team name.
Earlier coverage: PWHL Detroit’s team name and logo set to be revealed Nov. 10.
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