The Arizona Coyotes have officially bid farewell to the desert after 28 years as the NHL franchise has been sold to the Smith Entertainment Group and relocated to Utah. The announcement came after a tumultuous journey filled with highs and lows for the team and its loyal fan base.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who has been a steadfast supporter of hockey in Arizona, expressed his belief in the potential of the sport in the region but acknowledged that the circumstances needed to be right for it to thrive. The sale of the Coyotes to SEG marks a new chapter for the franchise, with owner Ryan Smith taking the reins of the team’s hockey operations.
Utah fans wasted no time in showing their enthusiasm for the arrival of a new NHL team, with over 20,000 season ticket deposits made within hours of the sale. The team, yet to be named, will inherit a strong foundation laid by Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong, who has been leading a successful rebuild over the past three years.
On the other hand, Arizona fans were left feeling dejected and betrayed by the sale, accusing former owner Alex Meruelo of misleading them about the team’s future in the state. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the Coyotes’ return to Arizona, as Meruelo’s group aims to build a new arena within five years to “reactivate” the franchise.
As the Coyotes embark on a new journey in Utah, the future of hockey in Arizona remains uncertain. The sale of the team marks the end of an era for the Valley, leaving fans to ponder what lies ahead for professional sports in the region.