News Summary
Maricopa County has made a significant move to reinstate professional hockey in Arizona with the appointment of Andrea Doan as chair of the Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey. This panel seeks to secure a new NHL team for the region following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah. Andrea Doan will lead a group of local business and sports leaders in their goal to find new ownership for an NHL team and establish a suitable arena. The effort is backed by local organizations to promote hockey’s growth in the community.
Phoenix, Arizona – Maricopa County has taken significant steps towards reinstating professional hockey in Arizona by appointing Andrea Doan as the chair of the newly formed Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey. Announced by Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, the panel aims to secure a National Hockey League (NHL) team for the region following the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation to Utah.
Andrea Doan, who is a longtime resident of Arizona and the wife of former Coyotes player Shane Doan, expressed her commitment to the state’s hockey community. She stated her honor in leading this advisory panel, which comprises local business and sports leaders, though the complete roster of members has not yet been revealed. The primary goals of this panel include finding new ownership for an NHL team and establishing a suitable arena for their potential home.
The push for an NHL team comes in the wake of the Coyotes’ departure from Arizona after a 26-year tenure. The team concluded their time in the state at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena, following the termination of their lease at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes were sold to Ryan and Ashley Smith, the owners of the Utah Jazz, culminating in their relocation to Salt Lake City after the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season.
The effort to bring professional hockey back to Arizona has received backing from the Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation, which plays a crucial role in promoting hockey at the grassroots level. As part of their efforts, the foundation engages in community outreach aimed at aspiring hockey players. A representative from the foundation emphasized the importance of preserving the hockey culture in Arizona, especially in light of the Coyotes’ exit. While youth hockey participation remains strong, there are concerns that this could decline without the presence of a professional team.
Thomas Galvin has been actively advocating for the return of the NHL since being sworn in earlier this year, having previously engaged with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman regarding this initiative. Galvin’s commitment to this cause aligns with the broader interests of a community that has shown persistent support for hockey over the years.
Andrea Doan’s strong ties to the local hockey scene position her as a fitting leader for this panel. Having graduated from Arizona State University, she has received accolades such as the Pat Tillman Service Award for her community engagement initiatives. In addition to her involvement, other notable advocates for restoring NHL hockey in Arizona include Lyndsey Fry, a proud Arizona native and member of the 2024 Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey team. Fry has underscored the vital role that professional sports play in fostering youth and amateur sports within the state.
As the Advisory Panel moves forward, it faces the considerable challenge of re-establishing a professional hockey team in a market that has displayed resilience despite the Coyotes’ departure. Acknowledging the potential decline in youth hockey participation without a professional franchise, panel members, local leaders, and advocates are determined to cultivate the growth of hockey in Arizona and ensure its vibrant future.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- AZ Central
- Arizona Sports
- Times of India
- AZ Family
- Wikipedia: National Hockey League
- Google Search: NHL Arizona Coyotes
- Google Scholar: NHL Arizona
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Hockey League
- Google News: NHL Arizona return
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.
