The Coyotes landed in Melbourne, Australia on Monday at around 7:00 a.m. local time and instantly hit the ice for some team building and practice time before the start of their training camp and preseason games.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The franchise have highlighted how excited they are to not only bring the NHL Down Under and showcase the incredible sport of hockey to a new audience, but also get some team bonding under their belts before the season kicks off.
“It’s nice to have basically our full team here and spend time together and get to know everyone,” Keller said. “I think that ultimately helps you on the ice.”
The 25-year-old has been with the Coyotes all seven years of his career, joining the team when he was just 18-years-old. Now, he finds himself halfway across the globe in an unfamiliar place, filled with excitement about exploring this new terrain alongside his squad.
The ‘Yotes hit the zoo on Monday evening and of course, Keller was the most excited to check out the kangaroos.
“I think its a little unique and like I said its good to get that team bonding in and kind of get away and spend time with your teammates who you’re gonna be with for a long time,” Keller said.
Along with the Coyotes, the Los Angeles Kings also made the trip to Melbourne. The two franchises will create history when they hit the ice this weekend and play the first ever NHL hockey game in the southern hemisphere.
“Its awesome it’s a great opportunity for the NHL to grow the game here and get more people into hockey,” Keller said. “I think we play such a unique sport and a lot of people don’t realize how special it is and fun it is to watch. I think (the) more people that come to a real NHL game will get hooked on it.”
The team’s Wednesday agenda (Tuesday Phoenix time) will include some exciting team bonding that includes team captains, drawing names out of a hat and special clothes that they shopped for yesterday. Whatever that adds up to, fans are excited to see it.
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Taylyn Hadley is a sports and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X via @TAYLYNH11.
