PHOENIX – The NHL’s return to Arizona may be closer to reality than fans realize, and the growing momentum could have far-reaching implications beyond simply bringing back a professional hockey team. The idea of seeing the Arizona Coyotes return to the NHL has often felt more like wishful thinking than a realistic possibility. That may be changing.
Oct 17, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) celebrates the win with Arizona Coyotes center Liam O’Brien (38) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the end of the third period at the Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Is the return of the Arizona Coyotes a real possibility?
“Arizona fans… it’s closer than you think.”@spetershockey on whether the NHL will bring a team back to Arizona@JLazzy23 | @ColbyCohen36
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Steve Peters, an NHL telecast producer for ESPN, recently offered an intriguing update on the effort to bring hockey back to Arizona, saying there is “so much going on in Arizona right now.” Peters also referenced the head of the committee working to bring the NHL back and delivered perhaps the most encouraging message of all: “It’s closer than you think.” So, how close is close?
Dec 21, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Sean Durzi (50) celebrates with his teammates during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
That remains the biggest unanswered question. But Peters’ comments are significant because Arizona is not trying to manufacture a hockey market from scratch. The state already has a growing youth hockey movement, a successful Arizona State hockey program and a fan base that never completely abandoned the sport after the Coyotes left. The NHL’s departure from Arizona was painful, particularly because many fans viewed ownership and arena-related problems, not a lack of interest in hockey, as major reasons the franchise ultimately collapsed.
Mar 28, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Jack McBain (22) celebrates with right wing Josh Doan (91), left wing Matias Maccelli (63) and defenseman Travis Dermott (33) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Nashville Predators at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
A successful return would not simply give Arizona another professional sports team. It could validate years of youth development, strengthen the local hockey pipeline and give young Arizona players a legitimate NHL franchise to grow up supporting. For Arizona sports fans, this is about more than nostalgia. It is about whether the state gets another chance to build hockey the right way.
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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
