Arizona Coyotes fans expressed their disappointment as the team played their final game in Arizona before relocating to Utah. Since their arrival in the late 1990s, the Coyotes have faced challenges in the Arizona market. The team’s faithful showed their discontent by chanting “Salt Lake sucks” during the game at Arizona State University’s Mullet Arena. It was reported earlier in the week that Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo planned to sell the team to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith in a $1.2 billion deal, with the NHL officially confirming the agreement on Thursday.
Despite the relocation, the Coyotes managed to win their final game in Arizona with a 5-2 victory. Forward Clayton Keller and coach André Tourigny acknowledged the emotional nature of the game and expressed pride in the team’s response to the adversity. The move to Salt Lake City marks the end of an era for the Coyotes, but there is still hope for the future of hockey in Arizona. The NHL’s announcement gives Meruelo the opportunity to retain the Coyotes if he can build a new arena within a five-year period, while Smith will establish an expansion team in Salt Lake City and gain control of the Coyotes’ assets.
The buzz of relocation rumors had been persistent for years, and the move to Mullet Arena in 2022 solidified the team’s departure from Arizona. The 5,000-seat venue was seen as the final step in the process of relocating the Coyotes to Utah. The departure of the team from Arizona is a significant loss for fans and the state, as the Coyotes have been a part of the local sports scene for over two decades. The team’s relocation signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for hockey in both Arizona and Salt Lake City.
The passionate response from Coyotes fans at Mullet Arena highlighted the deep connection between the team and the community. The chants of “Salt Lake sucks” reflected the frustration and disappointment felt by supporters who have stood by the team through various challenges and uncertainties. While the move to Utah may bring new opportunities for the franchise, it also marks the end of a long-standing relationship between the Coyotes and their loyal fan base in Arizona. The team’s final game in the state was emotional for players, coaches, and fans alike, as they bid farewell to an era and looked ahead to the future.
The sale of the Coyotes to Ryan Smith and the establishment of a new franchise in Salt Lake City represent a significant shift in the landscape of the NHL. The $1.2 billion deal indicates the growing interest in expanding hockey into new markets and the potential for growth within the sport. While the relocation may have sparked controversy and mixed emotions among fans, it also presents an opportunity for new beginnings and fresh prospects for both the Coyotes and the NHL as a whole. The transition to Utah will undoubtedly bring changes both on and off the ice, as the franchise adapts to a new city and a new fan base while leaving behind a legacy in Arizona.
