The ambition to reinstate an NHL team in Arizona has rallied significant support from prominent figures in the state’s hockey community. Despite the enthusiasm, questions linger about funding and the potential location for a new franchise.
Thomas Galvin, a Maricopa County Supervisor, has been vocal about his commitment to bringing a professional team back to Arizona following the departure of the previous team to Utah last year. This move came after years of unstable ownership, lease disputes, and fluctuating attendance.
Galvin has initiated discussions with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman regarding the league’s interest in returning to Arizona. “And before I could even finish my opening remarks, he said, ‘Absolutely,'” Galvin recounted.
Galvin has appointed Andrea Doan, the wife of former Coyotes player Shane Doan, to lead an advisory panel dedicated to this endeavor. “I had an image and a vision in mind that we needed political leadership, we needed business leadership, and we needed hockey experts to come together,” Galvin mentioned, noting that his involvement is personal and not official county business.
Andrea Doan expressed confidence in the state’s hockey enthusiasm, stating, “The hockey community in this state is committed to bringing the NHL back to the desert, and I look forward to helping to make that a reality.” The group plans to use the Coyotes name, which remains under NHL ownership.
The effort also includes Lyndsey Fry, a former U.S. women’s national hockey player and Chandler native, who will manage community relations. Fry’s hockey journey began with the arrival of the Coyotes from Winnipeg, which led to more ice rinks being built, including Ice Den Chandler, where she started playing at age six.
Unanswered Questions
The new team’s location is still uncertain. Sports reporter Craig Morgan suggested that downtown Phoenix or the East Valley could be potential areas, although Galvin remained open to various possibilities.
“We’re open and willing and able to listen to any part of the Valley, but I think we have seen that certain parts of the Valley, it hasn’t worked, so certain areas are going to be more viable than others,” Galvin stated, hinting at the challenges faced in the West Valley.
The Coyotes’ previous stint at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale from 2003 to 2022 was marked by inconsistent attendance, and a 2016 statement from a team official highlighted that most fans resided in the East Valley. Although a plan to move the team to Tempe was once in motion, it was derailed in 2023 when voters rejected a privately funded stadium and entertainment district proposal by then-owner Alex Meruelo.
After selling the team to a Utah group, Meruelo retained the rights for a potential future Coyotes franchise in Arizona and briefly considered a similar project in north Phoenix. However, state and local opposition, primarily over tax incentives, led to the cancellation of this initiative as reported by the Arizona Republic.
Galvin emphasized that any tax concession discussions are hypothetical and up to future ownership groups. “There’s no message regarding any tax issues for an ownership group — that’s on them,” he stated. “For us, this is about building community support, building a coalition to bring a team here.”
Despite the enthusiasm, Galvin urged patience among Arizona hockey fans, noting that the process could take several years before a new team is announced.
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