Tucson Roadrunners Seeking to Play 14 Games in Tempe Next Season
Also, revisiting the Coyotes 2021 NHL draft & more
Welcome to the THW NHL Utah Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of NHL Utah writers.
Tucson Roadrunners Seeking to Play 14 Games in Tempe Next Season
May 23, 2024 by Chase Beardsley
The Tucson Roadrunners are seeking to play up to 14 games at Mullett Arena next season, per Craig Morgan. Since Ryan Smith purchased the Arizona Coyotes and relocated the organization to Salt Lake City, Utah, rumors have swirled about what might happen to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, which is still owned by Alex Meruelo. After weeks of rumors, the Roadrunners’ plan to bring hockey back to Mullett Arena has been revealed.
Revisiting the Coyotes Stacked 2021 NHL DraftÂ
May 21, 2024 by Cooper Krigbaum
In the summer of 2020, the Arizona Coyotes began searching for a new general manager. This team had just made the playoffs but was handled in a quick five-game series against the Colorado Avalanche. It’s also worth noting that they wouldn’t have made the playoffs if it weren’t for the shortened season due to COVID-19. Don’t get it twisted; the team had elite players like Clayton Keller, Darcy Kuemper, Taylor Hall, and Conor Garland. However, it was clear that it wouldn’t be enough to make a legitimate push towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
How the Coyotes Turned Derek Stepan Into Josh Doan
May 19, 2024 by Parker Beh
The last name Doan carries major significance in Arizona’s hockey culture. Both Shane and Josh Doan created memorable moments in the desert. Josh’s father, Shane Doan, played over 1,500 NHL games and recorded 972 points for the Winnipeg Jets/Arizona Coyotes franchise. He was captain of the Coyotes for 13 seasons and led Arizona to its only Western Conference Final appearance.
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Revisiting the Tempe Entertainment District
May 17, 2024 by Chase Beardsley
July 23, 2021 was a significant date for hockey fans in Arizona. It was the day the rumor came out that the Arizona Coyotes were looking at land in Tempe to build a new arena. It was a long time coming for the franchise’s fans as the team had been through numerous owners and relocation threats. The proposal was supposed to end the question of whether the team would stay in Arizona. It was also supposed to be a new era for the City of Tempe which has become a rapidly growing city. However, little did anyone know that in just under two years, the Coyotes would be gone, and the state of Arizona for the first time since the 90s would no longer be a Big Four sports market. This is the story of the Tempe Entertainment District. What was supposed to be the saving grace for the NHL in Arizona turned into its final nail in the coffin.