Four Reasons for Coyotes Fans to be Thankful this Season
First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from Howlin’ Hockey! Whether we gather together to celebrate with family and friends, serve others in our communities, or both, it’s also an opportunity to reflect and express gratitude. In the spirit of the holiday, here are four reasons for Coyotes fans to be thankful this season.
1. The Coyotes are still in Arizona.
With speculation growing every year over the past decade-plus, it’s easy to grow numb to relocation talk and just assume it is going to happen eventually. Quebec City, Houston, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and so on. Because of poor prior ownership, poor arena situations, poor financial stewardship, etc., the Coyotes always are tops on the list.
Thankfully the team is still in the desert where they belong, and while the situation can still be nerve-wracking at times, current ownership seems dead set on staying in Arizona. While Tempe sadly did not work out (which I believe the city will come to regret), the Mesa rumors are hot and an announcement is expected in the next couple of weeks. Ownership’s apparent commitment to Arizona, an announcement, and a rumor of a viable location in Mesa are things to definitely be grateful for.
2. Competitive Hockey
For years Arizona has been the place where terrible contracts go to die. They could skate out cup-winning caliber lines with the contracts they’ve obtained of players who never actually played for the organization. This, coupled with years of poor play on the ice, has disheartened a fan base begging for competitive hockey.
However starting around the All-Star break last season, the core of this team really started to gel. Even when the front office dismantled the team at the trade deadline, the core that stayed in place didn’t throw in the towel. They played tough and it was some of the more competitive hockey seen in the desert in a long time. While they cooled a bit in the final stretch of last season, that attitude and energy parlayed into this year with the team right around .500 and in the early wildcard hunt. Anything remotely sniffing the playoffs (no matter how early it is) is something to be thankful for as a ‘Yotes fan.
3. The Buzz at Mullett Arena
It was clowned around the league when the Coyotes announced the partnership with ASU and temporary relocation to Mullett Arena. While too small for a permanent residence, it’s been stated multiple times that there’s a real buzz and energy at games there. The Coyotes have surpassed previous season ticket sales since the move, and it’s a much nicer venue than their below-average former home, Gila River Arena. Seeing and feeling that energy and buzz after years of some of the worst attendance in the NHL is definitely deserving of gratitude.
4. The Return of the Glorious Kachina Jerseys and the “Desert Nights” Alternate
While I am, and always will be, a big fan of the “Howling Coyote” logo and jerseys, the return of the Kachina’s has been a huge success. The look is killer and the fan base reacted overwhelmingly in support. Bringing back a refreshed classic full-time was nostalgic and hit all the right spots. The Desert Nights alternate is a perfect switch-up, providing a sleek entry that fits right in with the Kachina’s style. We most certainly can be thankful for one of if not the best jersey lineups in the league.