Arizona Coyotes Owner Alex Meruelo Considers Moving AHL Tucson Roadrunners to Tempe, Drawing Concern from Tucson Hockey Community

The Arizona hockey community is in a state of uncertainty as rumors swirl around the potential relocation of the AHL Tucson Roadrunners to Tempe. Following the announcement of the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation to Salt Lake City, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo hinted at moving the Roadrunners to Arizona State’s Mullet Arena.

Meruelo’s plan is part of an effort to keep professional hockey in the Valley while he pursues bringing a new NHL team to Arizona. The Roadrunners, currently under Meruelo’s ownership, would become an affiliate of the new team in Utah.

However, the lack of communication between Meruelo and Tucson has left the Roadrunners organization and its fan base in confusion. Fans in Tucson have expressed their desire for the team to stay in the city, with signs reading “Stay in Tucson” at the Roadrunners’ season finale.

Tucson city officials have also voiced their concerns about being left out of the decision-making process. The potential relocation would not only impact the Roadrunners but also the Tucson hockey community as a whole, as the Tucson Convention Center is currently the only ice rink in the city.

The logistics of relocating the Roadrunners to Tempe, including approval from the NHL and AHL board of governors, negotiating a new contract with ASU, and breaking the current lease in Tucson, present significant challenges. Emotions are running high as the Tucson hockey community awaits further developments on the Roadrunners’ future.

As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of the Roadrunners and professional hockey in Tucson hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.