In Tempe, Arizona’s Mullett Arena, a fervent crowd gathered for what could be the Coyotes’ final game of the season, and possibly their last in the state. Speculation has been rife about the team’s potential relocation to Salt Lake City, with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith reportedly set to assume majority ownership.
Addressing the swirling rumors, Smith acknowledged their veracity, stating, “There’s no secret on what’s out there online. Normally, not everything on the internet is true, but in this case, it’s pretty true,” as reported by Alex M. Silverman of Sports Business Journal. CNN sought comment from the NHL on the matter.
In a spirited 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Coyotes fans voiced their displeasure at the looming move with chants of “Salt Lake sucks.” However, as the final whistle approached, those chants gave way to heartfelt ovations. Players and coaches shared embraces and gathered at center ice, acknowledging the devoted fans potentially for the last time. Emotional scenes ensued as players distributed memorabilia to the crowd upon leaving the ice.
In a recent statement, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo expressed understanding for the concerns of various stakeholders but refrained from offering official comments due to unresolved issues. He pledged to address all concerns promptly.
During the second intermission, team legend Shane Doan took to the broadcast to reaffirm Arizona’s hockey status, declaring, “You know all the things that people say about Arizona as a hockey state. I think it is. You’ll never convince me that it’s not.”
His son, Coyotes rookie Josh Doan, echoed sentiments of loyalty to the fans, proclaiming, “The Coyotes are still Arizona’s team for one more day.”
The Coyotes have been playing at Mullet Arena, located on the Arizona State University campus, for the past two seasons. The arena, which opened in 2022, boasts a capacity of 5,000 spectators, making it the NHL’s smallest venue, behind Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre, seating 15,061 fans. Prior to their tenure in Tempe, the Coyotes called the Gila River Arena in Glendale home.
