In the sun-scorched heart of the American Southwest, where cacti stand tall and the desert wind whispers secrets, a hockey team defied expectations—the Arizona Coyotes. Their journey, marked by relocation, financial struggles, and passionate fans, paints a vivid picture of resilience and determination. Let’s lace up our skates and explore the Coyotes’ story:
From Jets to Desert Dogs: A Franchise’s Genesis
The Coyotes’ roots trace back to the icy plains of Winnipeg, Canada. In 1972, they emerged as the Winnipeg Jets, a charter franchise of the World Hockey Association (WHA). The Jets soared through seven WHA seasons, thrilling fans with their fast-paced play and passionate following.
But in 1979, the WHA folded, and the NHL absorbed four of its teams. The Jets, now part of the big league, faced financial challenges. American owners stepped in, and on July 1, 1996, the Jets migrated south to the Arizona desert. They became the Phoenix Coyotes, bringing hockey to a region known more for cactus blooms than slap shots.
The Desert’s Hockey Oasis: America West Arena
The Coyotes made their home at America West Arena (now Footprint Center) in downtown Phoenix. The desert sun outside contrasted with the ice inside. Fans embraced the team, donning jerseys and howling like coyotes during games. The Coyotes’ logo—a snarling desert canine—became iconic.
- The early years saw stars like Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, and Teppo Numminen don the Coyotes’ sweater.
- Despite financial struggles, the team’s passionate fan base kept the desert hockey dream alive.
The Gretzky Era: A Hockey Legend Coaches
In 2001, hockey royalty arrived in the desert. Wayne Gretzky, the Great One himself, took the reins as head coach. His presence elevated the Coyotes’ profile, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
- Gretzky’s impact extended beyond coaching. He became a face of the franchise, inspiring young players and igniting hockey fever in Arizona.
- The Coyotes’ roster featured stars like Shane Doan, the heart and soul of the team.
From Phoenix to Glendale: A New Home
In 2003, the Coyotes moved to Gila River Arena (formerly Jobing.com Arena) in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix. The new arena offered state-of-the-art facilities and better sightlines for fans.
- The team’s fortunes fluctuated. Playoff appearances were interspersed with rebuilding years.
- Ownership changes and financial woes persisted, but the Coyotes remained a fixture in the desert sports landscape.
The Arizona Coyotes: A Name Change and New Horizons
In 2014, the franchise rebranded as the Arizona Coyotes. The name shift reflected a commitment to the entire state, not just Phoenix.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a Swedish defenseman, emerged as a cornerstone player.
- The Coyotes’ commitment to community outreach and youth development endeared them to Arizonans.
The Tempe Experiment: Mullett Arena and a New Chapter
In 2022, the Coyotes moved to Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe. The cozy arena provided an intimate setting for fans.
- Negotiations for a new arena in Tempe had failed, but the Coyotes pressed on.
- The team’s resilience mirrored the desert landscape—unyielding and full of surprises.
The Suspension and Salt Lake City Transfer
After the 2023–24 season, the Coyotes suspended hockey operations. But the NHL brokered a deal—the Coyotes’ hockey organization would transfer to an expansion franchise in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- The Coyotes’ legacy would continue, albeit in a new setting.
- If they secure a new arena by 2029, they’ll rejoin the NHL with their history intact.
The Desert’s Hockey Mirage: A Legacy Endures
The Arizona Coyotes remain a testament to hockey’s improbable journey in the desert. Their story—of passion, setbacks, and unwavering fans—echoes across the saguaro-studded landscape. As the sun sets over the cacti, the Coyotes’ howl lingers—a hockey oasis in the arid expanse.