TEMPE – The chill of the ice has long melted, yet a legal blizzard has hit the desert. Eleven months ago, the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the Arizona Coyotes for $1.2 billion to Smith Entertainment Group, which relocated the franchise to Utah. The decision broke the hearts of hockey fans in Arizona, as their favorite team was leaving them. The past year has allowed Coyotes fans to grieve the loss of their team. However, that pain reappeared in news headlines with IceArizona, the company that owned the Coyotes, filing a lawsuit to regain their $3.5 million security deposit for Mullet Arena.
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Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes players celebrate together on the ice after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona played its final two seasons in Arizona State’s Mullet Arena after being kicked out of Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The franchise struck an agreement with OVG Venues to use the facility for three seasons. However, fellow owner Alex Meruelo sold the team with days left in the 2023-2024 season in the arena.
Coyotes President Ahron Cohen (left) owner Alex Meruelo (center) and GM John Chayka (right) speak with the media at a press conference announcing Meruelo’s new ownership of the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on July 31, 2019.
Third Eye Blind July 31 2019
The decision shocked not only fans but also IceArizona. The lawsuit claims that the sale was “compelled by the NHL to agree to suspend its franchise rights and sell its hockey operations assets.” Meruelo’s sale of the Coyotes, while helped facilitated by the league, wasn’t forced by the NHL to make the sale.
Regardless, IceArizona is claiming that the sale violates the “force majeure” clause in the lease, which would allow them to receive the desired $3.5 million security deposit. OVG has rejected IceArizona’s claim for the deposit for various reasons or “excuses,” as the lawsuit states.
Whether or not IceArizona gets its deposit back, hockey in Valley is still gone, and the lawsuit to get the security deposit back reopens some old wounds for Coyotes fans.
This isn’t just about money; it’s about the narrative. Were the Coyotes truly forced out? The lawsuit brings these questions to the forefront, stirring up the raw emotions of a fanbase left behind.
“What’s your take on the Coyotes’ legal battle? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
