News Summary
Arizona has taken a huge step towards restoring an NHL franchise with the formation of an Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey, led by Andrea Doan. This panel, announced by Maricopa County Chairman Thomas Galvin, aims to find ownership and locations for a new arena, following the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation in 2024. The panel includes business leaders and community advocates, highlighting a renewed commitment to professional hockey. Support from local business figures and representatives from the hockey community showcases a unified effort to rekindle interest in the sport in Arizona.
Arizona has taken a significant step towards restoring an NHL franchise in the state with the appointment of Andrea Doan as the chairperson of the newly formed Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey. Announced by Maricopa County Chairman Thomas Galvin, this coalition aims to bring back professional hockey to Arizona after the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Utah in 2024, leaving the state without any NHL team.
The advisory panel, consisting of leaders from business, sports, and civic life, will focus on finding potential ownership and identifying a suitable location for a new arena for the prospective NHL team. Specifics regarding further members of the panel will be announced in the coming weeks.
Andrea Doan, a longtime resident of Arizona, has been actively involved in the local hockey community for over 20 years. Since moving to the Valley in 1997, she has been recognized for her passionate advocacy for youth hockey and community engagement initiatives. Her husband, former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan, alongside Andrea, has received the Pat Tillman Service Award in acknowledgment of their dedication to community service. Her established reputation and connections within the hockey industry are seen as critical assets for the panel’s mission.
The recent move to appoint Doan underscores a renewed commitment to invigorate professional hockey in Arizona. Chairman Galvin highlighted her extensive knowledge and experience as an invaluable component for overcoming previous obstacles related to fan engagement and community support. Engaging the community is viewed as essential for the success of restoring an NHL franchise, especially after the last attempt to secure a new arena in Tempe was rejected by voters.
Confirmed support from local business leaders, including Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, indicates a united front in favor of bringing the NHL back to Arizona. The advisory panel’s goals underscore the need to gain substantial community backing and establish a sustainable framework for professional hockey in the state.
Additions to the panel also highlight the importance of local talent; Olympian Lyndsey Fry, an Arizona native and member of the Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey team, has offered her assistance in the panel’s endeavors. Her involvement signifies the commitment and enthusiasm among the local hockey community to foster the sport’s growth and presence in the state.
The backdrop to this initiative is the Arizona Coyotes’ previous history in the state, where they played for 27 seasons, with their final two years spent at Mullett Arena. The team’s relocation has left a significant void in Arizona’s sports landscape, prompting efforts to rekindle interest in professional hockey. The community’s involvement will be crucial as the advisory panel navigates the complexities of ownership and arena placement.
As the advisory panel takes shape, Andrea Doan’s leadership is expected to galvanize support across various sectors, with a keen focus on both hockey enthusiasts and the broader community. The pathway to securing a new NHL franchise is filled with challenges, but the collective efforts of the panel aim to create a promising future for professional hockey in Arizona.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: National Hockey League
- AZ Family
- Google Search: NHL Arizona
- Sports Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- Kingman Daily Miner
- Google Scholar: Professional Hockey Arizona
- AZ Family
- Google News: Andrea Doan 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.
