LAS VEGAS – For Arizona hockey fans, the Stanley Cup isn’t just about the team lifting the trophy. Coyotes fans know it’s about the players who carry a piece of their franchise’s history with them. That’s why many former Coyotes supporters found themselves pulling for the Carolina Hurricanes and three familiar faces in Jordan Martinook, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Taylor Hall.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Former Coyotes win Stanley Cup…
Jordan Martinook
Taylor Hall
Shayne Gostisbehere pic.twitter.com/Gi4boAuxgC— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) June 15, 2026
At first glance, it may seem unusual for fans of a former franchise to invest emotionally in another team’s championship pursuit. But Arizona’s hockey community has been navigating an unusual reality ever since the Coyotes became an inactive franchise. The connection between the team and the fans didn’t disappear when the organization left; it shifted.
Feb 26, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (14) against the Nashville Predators at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Coyotes fans react to Hurricanes winning the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals:
arizona coyotes legend and stanley cup champion jordan martinook.
— logan cooley’s burner (@SLCOOLS92) June 15, 2026
A special congrats to former Coyotes Shayne Gostisbehere, Taylor Hall, and Jordan Martinook. All class acts in Arizona and in Carolina.
— Chase Beardsley (@ChaseBeardsley_) June 15, 2026
Really proud of Martinook. He’s made himself a terrific player
— Chris Lewis (@chrislewisASU) June 15, 2026
Very happy but sad to see it.
— Grant Lyon (@grantlyon31) June 15, 2026
Love it that Marty made it!!😁
— Rob Buelow (@Robrev2) June 15, 2026
Martinook embodied the hard-working identity that Arizona fans always appreciated. Gostisbehere revitalized his career in the desert and became one of the league’s most productive offensive defensemen during his time there. Hall, despite playing only one season in Arizona, brought national attention and star power to a franchise that rarely occupied the NHL spotlight. Collectively, those players represent different chapters of Coyotes history. More importantly, they represent proof that meaningful hockey existed in Arizona.
Mar 21, 2018; Buffalo, NY, USA; Arizona left wing Jordan Martinook (48) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The emotional component matters. Sports fans don’t just root for logos; they root for memories. They remember game-winning goals, community appearances, playoff hopes, and the belief that their franchise belonged on the national stage. Seeing former Coyotes thrive on hockey’s biggest stage allows fans to reconnect with those memories. There’s also a broader lesson. The success of former Coyotes players underscores that Arizona consistently developed, revived, and showcased top-tier talent. While the franchise may be inactive for now, its impact remains visible throughout the league.
Aug 19, 2020; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Arizona forward Taylor Hall (91) skates during warmup against the Colorado Avalanche in game five of the first round of the Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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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
