In the Arizona Coyotes' final game in Tempe, hockey fans displayed various stages of grief — including anger toward Salt Lake — over losing their beloved franchise.
Coyotes fans face the end in Arizona with anger toward Salt Lake City, appreciation of hockey’s impact
Instead, people grieved. Some stood outside their cars in the arena’s parking garage, tailgating for the game. Some gathered at the point closest to the arena’s entrance they were allowed. Many cried. But they all told stories, sharing with others who had this passion in their lives: NHL hockey. Arizona Coyotes fans start to find their seats at Mullett Arena prior to the team's NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. The team is expected to be sold and moved to Sale Lake City.
But that anger was also targeted towards Salt Lake City, the Coyotes’ new home. “Salt Lake Sucks” might have been the night’s second-most common chant behind only “Let’s Go Coyotes.” I overheard one fan complaining about peeling numbers on his jersey; he jokingly said it must be “Salt Lake City manufacturing” causing the defect.“Among the group, obviously, there’s no hate towards Salt Lake City,” winger Josh Doan said. “Because they’re welcoming us with open arms. ...
On Wednesday, the state of youth hockey was a major worry at Mullett Arena. Of the 5,000 in attendance, a significant portion were youth hockey players who wanted to see their favorite players for the last time in person, many brought signs to that effect. “I love hockey — and I’m a youth goalie” read one.
The game tickets were probably more expensive than the flights. Checked just before game time, the cheapest tickets — not seats, but standing-room-only tickets — were available for $723. Some were season ticket holders, including those who had been supporting the team since they moved to the area in 1996. Some spoke of getting to watch Wayne Gretzky coach the team in the mid-00s.
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