As the breakup with Glendale continues, Arizona Coyotes’ President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc suggested “substantial” arena news could arrive very soon.
It’s been a bit of a wait for news on the location of new arena for the Arizona Coyotes.
Earlier this year, President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc believed we would have the announcement before the 2015-16 season concluded. That turned out to be a bit too optimistic.
There was also the suggestion that we would hear details before summer ended, but that deadline also passed with no real update.
Last night in the midst of Auston Matthews-mania, LeBlanc tweeted out a tease regarding the arena situation and it’s resolution.
In hindsight, the Coyotes’ president may have been referring to the team’s newest venture – a DEK hockey rink located in Glendale at Luke Air Force Base. The second rink detailed remains unclear, but fans jumped on the speculation train immediately following the tweet.
Today, at the Arizona Coyotes’ Face-Off Luncheon, LeBlanc did touch on the arena subject directly.
Coyotes pres/CEO Anthony LeBlanc @ team's faceoff luncheon: arena announcement is very close & plans will include a "community rink aspect."
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) October 13, 2016
He promised news “very soon”, which at this point would be icing on the cake for Yotes fans.
With the team much improved on the ice thanks to the efforts of new General Manager John Chayka and Head Coach Dave Tippett, and a whopping five standout prospects beginning their first seasons in the National Hockey League, there’s already a ton of excitement surrounding desert hockey.
Getting final, absolute confirmation that this franchise will be in the Valley long term?
I’m not saying it would be life-changing, but the news would certainly be cathartic for the Coyotes’ die-hards who’ve had to live for years with insults and speculation from other hockey fan bases.
“Very soon” is a nebulous thing, however.
Anthony LeBlanc’s very soon included a guarantee that “we will have an announcement this season.” The NHL is behind them.
LeBlanc on new arena; "We're in red zone, first and goal. ... I can guarantee we will have an announcement this season."
— Paola Boivin (@PaolaBoivin) October 13, 2016
That means anytime from now until April, if you’re counting the regular season. From October until June if you’re including the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Next: Bill Daly Confident In Team’s Arena Search
Perhaps there is more waiting in store for fans. More insults. More rumors.
Now, though, we have an end date to the torture. We won’t be in limbo forever.
LeBlanc and IceArizona have given their guarantee.