PHOENIX – Even though the Arizona Coyotes are currently an inactive franchise, that hasn’t stopped the massive support to bring the NHL back to the valley. That voice has echoed not just from fans, but from former players as well, such as former Coyotes defenseman Jason Demers.
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Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona fans cheer as Josh Doan (91), Aku Raty (85) Matias Maccelli
(63) Nick Schmaltz (8) Alexander Kerfoot (15) react following the final game as the Arizona Coyotes against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Support for the Arizona Coyotes’ return to the NHL grows:
When Jason Demers speaks about Arizona hockey, it isn’t some paid campaign. It’s a former star who believes in the valley, who is protecting unfinished business. In a recent video on Instagram, the former Coyotes defenseman made a simple but powerful request: get loud, get organized, and show the NHL that Arizona still wants hockey. His call to action was directing fans to follow and support the @NHLtoArizona Instagram account, as he believes even just one platform that shows how much fans care could be the difference.
Apr 24, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates with Arizona defenseman Jason Demers (55) center Derick Brassard (16) his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Modern leagues don’t just measure markets by population or arena proposals. They measure engagement by social traction, organized advocacy, and visible fan alignment. That matters now almost as much as balance sheets. Demers understands that players live inside those ecosystems. They know which buildings buzz, which cities care, and which fan bases show up even when wins don’t. Currently, Coyotes legend Shane Doan’s wife, Andrea Doan, was named in September 2025 as the chair of a new advisory panel for bringing professional hockey back to Arizona, which is surely a sign that their return could be heading in the right direction.
Apr 29, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Fans enter Gila River Arena prior to the game between the Coyotes and the Nashville Predators. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Even through instability, the Coyotes averaged thousands of unique ticket buyers, even with unstable ownership. The coyotes also helped produce one of the league’s strongest youth hockey growth rates over the last decade, in a climate that rarely has snow. That foundation didn’t vanish when the team left; it only grew passionately. Demers’ involvement adds credibility. When former players advocate publicly, it reframes the narrative. Fans respond differently when they feel invited into a movement rather than asked to relive a loss. Demers isn’t asking fans to wait quietly for the NHL’s approval. He’s urging them to participate in the process. Loud, organized demand creates leverage.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
