Arizona Coyotes Fans and Organizations Express Frustration Over Team’s Move to Salt Lake City

In a shocking turn of events, the Arizona Coyotes have officially announced their move to Salt Lake City, leaving fans and organizations in the Valley devastated.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick and President & CEO Derrick Hall expressed their disappointment in a joint statement, stating, “The entire Diamondbacks organization is disappointed in the now official news of our NHL team being relocated out of state. We firmly believe that we deserve and can support teams from each of the major sports and are troubled that a solution could not be found for all parties involved. We are sad for all sports fans and all who care so deeply about our community.”

The Arizona Cardinals also shared their sentiments on social media, declaring, “Hockey belongs in the desert. Thank you for the memories Arizona Coyotes.” The Coyotes themselves changed their bio to “Hockey Belongs in Arizona #YotesForever” and shared a statement from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reaffirming the league’s belief in Arizona.

At their final game at Mullett Arena, fans expressed their discontent with signs and chants, showing their support for the team to stay in Arizona. Despite the disappointment, the Coyotes closed out their 28-year run in the Valley with a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

The NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the $1.2 billion sale of the team to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. Owner Alex Meruelo remains committed to bringing NHL hockey back to Arizona within five years, with plans for a new arena and entertainment district in the works.

While the move is a tough pill to swallow for fans, there is hope on the horizon for NHL hockey to return to Arizona in the future.