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Shane Doan: Valley’s Most Popular Sports Athlete

By William Grigsby

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It’s No Surprise — Arizona Coyotes’ Shane Doan Voted Most Popular Athlete In The Valley

When it was announced yesterday that Doan was named the Valley’s most popular sports figure, his humble reaction was so typical of him.

"“Obviously it’s kind of surprising,” Doan said with a laugh after being told he had won and had won so convincingly. “I’m a Valley sports fan, too, and a pretty big fan of some of those other guys on the list so I would have picked them ahead of me.”"

It really wasn’t even close, but instead Doan talked about the other pro athletes in the valley, whom he admires. It’s so much like him. He actually received 70 per cent of the vote, with the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald coming in a distant second, with just 14.5 per cent.

The other nominees were Bruce Arians, Paul Goldschmidt, Carson Palmer, Patrick Peterson, Todd Graham, Mike Bercovici, Tyrann Mathieu and Calais Campbell.

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With the Phoenix area having the four major league sports here, it just accentuates the importance of this poll. Doan is very active in the community, and loves living in the area, as does his family. That, along with his undying loyalty to a team, and city he loves, had to be the controlling factor in his selection for this online poll, conducted by azcentral.com.

I had the privilege and honor of meeting Shane at the Ice Den a couple of years ago, and the guy is just amazing. Never stops smiling, ALWAYS has time for the fans, and especially the kids. I waited in a line of kids to get his autograph on my cap, and I will treasure it as time passes.

You know a player is special when an organization these days keeps a player around for twenty years. Yes, that’s not a typo. Shane will be playing his twentieth season starting October 9th, against his and his team’s nemesis, the L.A. Kings.

His dedication to his sport, to his team, and to his community is a role model all young upcoming players should emulate. They just don’t come any better than Shane Doan — but don’t ask him because he will shrug it off, and talk about someone besides himself. I certainly wish more young players were like him.

It will be close to impossible to replace him as the longest reigning captain in the NHL, but maybe Oliver Ekman-Larsson will give it a try when Shane Doan decides to hang up his skates.

There’s no way this man will be able to stay out of hockey for long after his retirement, and I see a ton of qualities which would make him an excellent NHL coach. Not sure about you, but after playing hockey for as long as he has, coaching is just the next logical step for him.

 

"“I’d like to thank all the fans who voted for me,” Doan said. “It’s a nice honor and you appreciate it more knowing it’s coming from the fans. It seems a lot of hockey fans voted. That’s encouraging to see here in the Valley.”"

Shane Doan, a true hockey legend…..

WAY TO GO SHANE !  ——-> CLICK HERE

Next: Arizona Coyotes Throwback: Shane Doan's Hat-Trick

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