Not knowing if or when hockey will return to Arizona, Coyotes fans treated their Mullett Arena finale like one big party, even if it was a wake.
For 60 minutes, they got one last chance to watch the team they came to love before the franchise as they know it is no more. in a deal that could be signed less than 24 hours after Wednesday night's 5-2 win over Edmonton. Hockey could return, perhaps within five years, but the stark reality is this is the end for the foreseeable future.
Meruelo was adamant about not selling the team despite constant offers since he bought in 2019, but also didn't want the players stuck playing in a 5,000-seat arena — by far the NHL's smallest — that wasn't up to league standards. “It’s been a hard 20-25 years, not knowing where home is going to be,” said Coyotes rookie Josh Doan, who grew up in the Valley during his father Shane's long tenure as Coyotes' captain."It’s one of those things where you want to send them off on the right note and get the win tonight for them.”As the players celebrated, the hockey staff poured onto the ice to join them for celebrations and a team photo.
Thanks to moves by general manager Bill Armstrong, the Coyotes appear to be headed back in the right direction. He blew up the team, jettisoning veterans for a slew of draft picks that became the core of a young, talented team.
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