(Photo by SportsNet)
Well, it has happened. The Arizona Coyotes are all but moving to Salt Lake City. This was a long time coming for a franchise that has been in limbo for the 28 years since it has been in Arizona.
I'm going to be blunt about this, I saw this coming a mile away. Once they left Glendale, I knew it was curtains. Commissioner Gary Bettman tried his best to keep them here. He REALLY wanted to make sure the Coyotes were in the state forty-eight. Unfortunately, the two years at Mullet Arena was the franchise on life support. You can't blame the fans for this. This situation was out of their hands. However...
The problem is that the Valley never really embraced their own hockey team. Sure, you have the snowbirds come during the winter, but they would rather cheer for their own team. The Coyotes were always on the outside looking in. Think about it, the team's attempt at promoting themselves fell short to have non-hockey fans seem intrigued. The arena issue also threw everyone a curve ball. They literally had that since the move here in 1996.
But enough of the reasons why the franchise bellied up, the Coyotes also gave fans memorable moments. Keith Thachuk, Jeremy Roenick and his messed up jaw, "The Bulin Wall", Shane Doan, the Whiteout and the 2014 Western Conference Final run. Many will remember taking a drive to Glendale for a game and going to Westgate afterwards. It was the time of your lives. For 28 years, the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes were low-key a cult favorite amongst Valley sports fans.
So, if the NHL ever thought about getting an expansion team here, would I be on board with this? The answer is no. You will ask, "But A.J. you have pointed out that you are becoming a hockey fan, why wouldn't you want another team here?" Because it will be the same problems of trying to get a new arena that no one wants. Glendale isn't going to want them either. How about this, NHL, get a team in Quebec City, then think about bringing one here, okay?
The Arizona Coyotes' tale ends in sadness, but the memories will be etched in time. So Yotes fans, grab a cold one, watch a game on YouTube, let it out emotionally if you have to and give one last howl for old times sake. The present is meek, but hopefully, the future will be bright like the Arizona sun. Just keep having hope.
From this guy, godspeed Coyotes, I wish you well in Utah.
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