News Summary
Arizona is making strides to reintroduce NHL hockey following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes. A new advisory committee, led by Andrea Doan, aims to secure ownership and a venue, tapping into community support to revive interest in the sport. Despite challenges faced in the past, there is a strong commitment from local leaders to reinstate professional hockey in the region.
Arizona is taking steps to potentially bring an NHL team back to the state following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes franchise, which was divided on April 18, 2024. The hockey assets were transferred to the newly-formed Utah Hockey Club, now known as the Utah Mammoth, while the franchise’s history remains in Arizona, awaiting the establishment of a permanent arena.
The Coyotes’ owner, Alex Meruelo, relinquished his rights to the franchise months later, leading to a state of uncertainty for hockey in Arizona. Despite their smaller fan base compared to teams in other markets, Coyotes supporters are recognized for their intense passion for the team. The franchise’s relocation has spurred efforts to reintroduce NHL hockey in the Phoenix area.
Leadership Committee Formation
Andrea Doan, the wife of Coyotes legend Shane Doan, has been appointed chair of a newly-formed committee tasked with restoring NHL hockey to Arizona. The committee was established by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Tom Galvin, who is dedicated to collaborating with leaders across political, business, community, and sports sectors.
Galvin recognized Doan’s extensive involvement in the Arizona hockey scene, highlighting her contributions and commitment to fostering support for the sport in the community. Although Shane Doan, the Coyotes’ all-time leader in significant statistics, currently works with the Toronto Maple Leafs and cannot actively engage in the committee’s proceedings, his family’s passion for the sport remains evident.
Andrea Doan has emphasized the importance of hockey to Arizona, noting that while she and Shane have busy schedules, they are determined to work collaboratively towards their shared goal.
Committee Responsibilities
The advisory committee is tasked with several critical responsibilities, including seeking new ownership for an NHL team and outlining plans for a venue to host games. Support from the Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation, which focuses on youth hockey development, is also integral to efforts aimed at bringing professional hockey back to the state.
The complete roster of the advisory panel has not yet been disclosed, although it is expected to include local community figures along with business and sports leaders, emphasizing the community-centric approach to the initiative.
Past Challenges and Current Efforts
Previous attempts to establish an NHL team in Arizona have faced significant hurdles, including a failed arena proposal in Tempe. In light of this, Galvin has reached out to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to better understand the requirements for reintroducing an NHL team to Arizona. As of now, the committee does not have a defined timeline for its initiatives.
Andrea Doan’s connection to Arizona hockey extends beyond her husband’s legacy; her son, Josh Doan, was drafted by the Coyotes and has played for Arizona State University. Even with the Coyotes’ departure, the youth hockey community has managed to persist, although there are concerns over the potential challenges it may face without the vibrancy of a professional team to foster enthusiasm.
Community Engagement
To successfully bring an NHL team back to Arizona, significant community involvement is viewed as crucial. A strong supporter base is essential to generate excitement and long-term commitment to the sport following the Coyotes’ relocation. As the advisory committee begins to mobilize resources and gather support, the hope is not only to revitalize professional hockey in Arizona but to strengthen the local hockey culture for generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Axios: Arizona Ice Hockey – Andrea Doan
- AZ Family: Maricopa County Leaders Panel
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Hockey Hopes Revived
- Wikipedia: National Hockey League
- SI: Coyotes Legend Andrea Doan
- Google Search: NHL Arizona
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
