Tucson Roadrunners Playoffs Raise Concerns for Youth Hockey in Tucson

The Tucson Roadrunners have kicked off their playoffs against the Calgary Wranglers with a white-out theme, but for the Junior Roadrunners, the potential move of their AHL team to Tempe could mean more than just a change in location.

Junior Roadrunners Director, Ryan DeJoe, expressed his heartbreak over the possibility of the team leaving Tucson, stating, “It was heartbreak, heartbreak for all the Jr. Roadrunners.” The impact of the Roadrunners’ potential move on youth hockey in Tucson is a major concern for the community.

David Honecker, President of the Junior Roadrunners, reflected on the memories created by the Roadrunners in Tucson and the potential loss for the community. Despite concerns about the team leaving, TCC’s General Manager, Glenn Grabski, reassured that the ice will remain in Tucson.

The community has shown its support for the Roadrunners with a petition to keep the team in Tucson. Organizers plan to send the petition to the AHL Board of Governors to emphasize the importance of the team to the Tucson community.

Ryan DeJoe emphasized that the potential move is not just about youth hockey but also about the impact on the Tucson community as a whole. He stated, “Moving the Roadrunners up there is not going to heal the wound in Phoenix of losing the Coyotes; it just creates a big one down here.”

As the Roadrunners continue their playoff journey, the future of the team in Tucson remains uncertain. The community is rallying together to show their support and fight to keep the Roadrunners in their beloved city.