POLL: What Do You Think of the New Worcester Hockey Team's Name?

WORCESTER, MA — There's a new hockey team in town. They're called the Railers, but not everyone is embracing the name, judging from feedback on social media.

Worcester Pro Hockey announced its team name and unveiled its official Worcester crest at Fan Fest 2016 on Sunday, April 3, at the DCU Center.

The newly dubbed team, Worcester Railers HC, "aims to be an ambassador of the city of Worcester and the Central Massachusetts region throughout the United States and Canada," said the release.

Worcester hits the ice in October 2017, when the Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League opens its 30th season,

"The name is reflective of the region’s strong association with the railroad industry and heritage. From every Worcester neighborhood you can see, hear and feel the railroads," reads the announcement. "The historic and iconic Union Station is a landmark in the region and throughout the United States."

The colors were selected to show the railroad image and represent the values of those who worked and built the city and region. The HC (representing a “Hockey Club”) in the name is unique in North American sports, playing off a European model used in hockey and most prominently in soccer (FC).

“We do not want you to be a fan, we want you to be part of the organization with us, as a HC Member. It will be part of all we do. It will become a social organization that is based around our hockey team,” states Toby O’Brien, president of The Worcester Railers HC, in a statement.