It's pronounced val-rey-vuhn

SANDUSKY — What is in a name? A lot when you invest millions in a new ride.An important part of the process for Cedar Point after they commit to build a coaster or new ride is what to name it.A lot of people are involved but not as many as want to be involved, said Cedar Point General Manager Jason McClure."Have you ever watched world wrestling when they do cage matches? It is like that," said McClure with a smile that comes easily.FULL Cedar Point coverageMcClure and others at Cedar Point are involved. They begin with 100 names. The first question to be addressed is: What does the amusement park operator want to convey?The name must be unique. Cedar Point recently named a revamped coaster Rougarou. McClure said unique does not always have to be hard to pronounce or obscure. They have to like how the name sounds when pronounced. The name and the logo must look good in advertising and on a T-shirt.They select their top 10 favorite names, and the list continues to get whittled down to the final three.Cedar Fair administrators and its marketing firm are included in the name selection process. "It's a great process, but it can be frustrating because we have so many people who are passionate about the work and feel strongly their name is best," McClure said. Valravn met all the name requirements.The amusement park trademarked the name Valravn, which is Danish for "raven of the slain," in April 2015.In Danish folklore, a Valraven is a supernatural raven whose powers come from eating part of the body of a slain knight killed on the battlefield. It invokes an image of a predatory bird in diving flight.Cedar Point has a different definition.Cedar Point considers Valravn a regal king of all birds, swooping in to conquer all other dive coasters on the planet with its powerful and intense maneuvers, massive structure and immense ride vehicles."With the ability to soar high above its kingdom and dive with unbridled force and speed, it rules the skyline with its limitless power and unsurpassed tenacity: None dare challenge the power of Valravn. Are you ready?" the operator asks, throwing down the coaster gauntlet to riders.Sometimes a name can remain on the list for a while until a ride comes along to fit it. Valravn was chosen the first time it was considered."It is unique, and people remember it when they first hear it," McClure said. "We like the sound of the name. It is a dive coaster, which is natural for a bird, and we liked the image. For us he is king. That is why he has a big throne and his crown."McClure said the Valravn name was suggested by someone inside the park but would not reveal the person's name.