Imagine the roar of hockey fans in the Valley of the Sun fading away, replaced by an empty arena and dreams deferred—but now, a determined group of Phoenix leaders is rallying to resurrect NHL hockey in Arizona, and they've just unveiled their game plan with a star-studded advisory panel. It's a story of resilience and ambition that could redefine sports entertainment in the state, and trust me, you won't want to look away as the drama unfolds.
On Tuesday, this dedicated team of Phoenix-area influencers, focused on luring the NHL back to Arizona, announced the lineup for their advisory panel. Leading the charge is Andrea Doan, the dynamic chairwoman and wife of legendary Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan, who etched his name into hockey history during the franchise's glory days. The panel boasts a mix of seasoned experts, including former mayors and the son of one of the original Coyotes owners, blending political savvy, business acumen, and deep roots in the community.
Thomas Galvin, the chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, captured the electric atmosphere in a statement. He emphasized that Arizona has always been a hockey stronghold, evidenced by the overwhelming enthusiasm from local entrepreneurs and everyday residents who are fired up about welcoming professional hockey back. Galvin highlighted the vital economic role of sports, noting how successful franchises boost tourism, create jobs, and energize communities—think of the ripple effects like increased hotel bookings and local spending during game nights. With Andrea Doan at the helm and a cadre of leaders who grasp the intricacies of forging a winning NHL team, including navigating funding, partnerships, and site selection, he's optimistic about uniting the perfect team to turn this vision into reality. A hearty thank you, he added, to the business moguls, hockey enthusiasts, and politicians stepping up to offer their insights in scouting a suitable owner and pinpointing an ideal spot for a new arena.
Let's break down the advisory panel on Pro Hockey in Arizona, so beginners can see the powerhouse lineup: Andrea Doan takes the chair as the guiding force. Sandra Watson, the president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, brings her expertise in economic development. Danny Seiden, head of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, adds a business perspective. Jordan Rose, a founder of Rose Law Group and a top lawyer specializing in sports law, ensures legal matters are handled smoothly. Taylor Burke, president of Rainy Partners—which owns popular ice rinks like Ice Den Scottsdale and Ice Den Chandler—represents a family legacy, as his relatives originally brought the Coyotes to Arizona back in 1996. Rounding out the group are Jerry Bien-Willner, a former mayor of Paradise Valley; John Giles, ex-mayor of Mesa; and Trey Terry, a councilmember in Goodyear. For those new to this, an advisory panel acts like a brain trust, providing expert advice without direct decision-making power—it's a collaborative way to gather diverse opinions and strategize.
Galvin has been the driving force behind this revival effort over the past year, following the dramatic sale of the Coyotes' roster and hockey operations to the owners of the Utah Jazz, Ryan and Ashley Smith. The team was swiftly rebranded as the Utah Mammoth, marking a bittersweet end to its Arizona chapter. The Coyotes had skated in the Valley for 27 thrilling seasons, but their final two years were played at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena after being ousted from a lease at Glendale's Gila River Arena (now known as Desert Diamond Arena) back in 2021. This upheaval stemmed from various challenges, including ownership changes and venue disputes.
The franchise's eventual sale in April 2024 followed a series of setbacks for former owner Alex Meruelo's group. They lost a public referendum on developing land in Tempe for a new arena and entertainment hub, and a last-gasp bid to secure a plot near the Phoenix-Scottsdale border fell through when the state canceled the auction. A year later, that same land was snapped up by the Arizona Cardinals for their new practice facility. It's a classic tale of missed opportunities and competing interests in sports real estate, where timing and public support can make or break a deal.
Now, the advisory panel's mission is straightforward yet ambitious: Identify a passionate ownership group eager to run a pro hockey team and scout viable land for constructing a modern arena. This isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about creating a venue that can host exciting games, concerts, and events, potentially revitalizing the local economy with thousands of jobs and millions in revenue—imagine the buzz of a sold-out playoff game drawing visitors from across the Southwest.
But here's where it gets controversial: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman famously declared 'we shall return' to the Phoenix market when Meruelo sold the franchise, but that promise was tied to an agreement allowing Meruelo to potentially bring back the Coyotes. Ultimately, after the state scuttled the auction for a promising arena site in Phoenix, Meruelo chose not to revive the team, leading the NHL to reclaim the franchise's intellectual property and branding rights. Some fans might argue this was a fair business move, prioritizing legal and financial stability over sentiment, while others see it as a betrayal of loyal supporters. And this is the part most people miss—the ongoing dialogue between Bettman and Galvin, as reported by former Coyotes reporter Craig Morgan, suggests the league remains open to Arizona, but critics question whether public subsidies for arenas are worth the cost, especially when private interests like the Cardinals can swoop in for similar spaces. Is this a noble quest to restore a beloved sport, or a risky gamble that could strain taxpayer funds? What do you think—should governments prioritize sports arenas over other community needs like schools or infrastructure? Do you believe the NHL truly intends to return, or is this just lip service? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives on this heated debate!
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