Arizona Coyotes Prep Gila River Arena

Oct 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Young fans play street hockey prior to the game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Young fans play street hockey prior to the game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes put the ice down in Gila River Arena yesterday, signaling the long awaited end of the offseason and the impending arrival of rookies to training camp.

It came without ribbons, it came without tags, but it’s finally time for the Arizona Coyotes rookies to pack their bags.

The ice went down in Gila River Arena on Tuesday and it was a welcome sight.

With temperatures in the Valley still hovering in the 105 degree range, seeing the arena prepping for hockey season is a sign that the best months of the year in the desert are soon to follow.

Here’s some images of the process from the Coyotes’ Twitter feed:

And here’s a look at the ice with no center-ice painting:

Lookin’ good. Lookin’ good, indeed.

Arizona Coyotes News and Links

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The Coyotes’ prospect pool is brimming with skill, speed and smarts – a collection of young talent that embodies the up-tempo style that is sweeping the NHL. Team brass, however, felt the group could use one more ingredient to go along with the creative playmakers and savvy scorers.

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