As a football team, the York Peppermint Patties probably wouldn't have struck fear into the hearts and minds of rivals.

And there might have been a slight copyright issue.

But, as an entry in American Indoor Football's name-the-team contest for York, it still got a chuckle out of league President John Morris.

"I thought that was pretty interesting," he said. "I did consider that."

Ultimately, in his task to narrow down more than 200 submissions to a few finalists, Morris zeroed in on the popular picks. York fans consistently invoked the town's 18th Century history in suggested names for the team that will begin playing at the York City Ice Arena in the spring of 2013.

Between now and Saturday, Yorkers can vote for their favorite of five choices. They are the York Capitals, York Patriots, York Renegades, York Colonials and York Independence. The top vote-getter wins.

American Indoor Football announced earlier this month that it's bringing a team to York next year.

The league's season runs from March until June. York's team will join a six-team East Coast division and play four home games at the ice arena. Some minor upgrades are planned for the Vander Avenue facility to reach a 1,500-person seating capacity.

Two nearby cities already have football teams playing in the league. Fans in Harrisburg and Baltimore responded enthusiastically to name-the-team contests there, Morris said.

But, in terms of submissions, York has blown both cities away, he said.

"We have never had such a response this quick in that short period of time as we've had in York. It's just been incredible," Morris said. "They're still sending entries in."

In just one week, more than 200 people sent emails suggesting a team name. Some included designed logos and explanations of their choice, Morris said.

In the two days since voting opened, more than 850 people have voted on the league's website, www.aifprofootball.com. On Facebook, the votes totaled more than 170 Wednesday afternoon.

On both sites, voting totals are available in real time.

The 20 people who suggested the five finalists will receive a pair of free season tickets.

Demographically, York's emerging fan base is still a bit of a mystery, Morris said.

"It really appears to be just a sports enthusiastic town, quite frankly," he said.

- Erin James may also be reached at ejames@yorkdispatch.com.