Efforts to Revive NHL in Arizona Gain Momentum with New Advisory Panel
In a significant move to restore professional hockey in Arizona, Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin has introduced a dedicated team of both local and state leaders aimed at bringing an NHL team back to the region.
Announced in September, Galvin’s initiative involves an advisory panel tasked with crafting a strategic plan. This plan will explore potential ownership groups, potential stadium sites, and other crucial elements for reestablishing an NHL presence in Arizona. This follows the sale of the Arizona Coyotes by owner Alex Meruelo to a Utah-based group last year.
Andrea Doan, the spouse of former Arizona Coyote Shane Doan, has been appointed to spearhead the panel’s efforts. She emphasized the importance of the sport in Arizona, stating, “Arizona is a major sports state. People come across the country, across the world, to come here to watch our professional sports teams year round, and it is important to bring back the NHL to the fifth-largest metro in the nation.”
This week, Galvin revealed additional members of the panel, which includes notable figures such as Arizona Chamber of Commerce CEO Danny Seiden and Arizona Commerce Authority’s Sandra Watson. The panel will benefit from the insights of several current and former local government officials, including Goodyear City Councilmember Trey Terry, former Mesa Mayor John Giles, and former Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner.
Galvin, who is personally advocating for this cause, stated, “So when I made the announcement that I’m forming an advisory panel, 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.”
Besides political and business leaders, the panel will also feature Jordan Rose, an attorney with a background in working with professional sports teams like the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Rising. Galvin is also associated with Rose’s law firm, Rose Law Group, as a partner.
Completing the panel is Taylor Burke, who oversees the Ice Den ice rinks in Scottsdale and Chandler. Burke brings a personal connection to the history of hockey in Arizona, with his father having been a co-owner during the Winnipeg Jets’ relocation to Phoenix in 1996. Burke has also previously served as an assistant general manager for the team.
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