Team History

The Arizona Coyotes’ history is deeply rooted in their origins as the Winnipeg Jets, a team that originally competed in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before joining the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1979. The franchise’s early success in the WHA, marked by three championships, set high expectations that were difficult to meet following the transition to the NHL. The relocation to Phoenix in 1996 marked a new chapter for the franchise, with the team undergoing a name change to the Phoenix Coyotes and later to the Arizona Coyotes in 2014. This move was driven by financial struggles and the pursuit of a larger market, yet it also heralded a period of significant adjustment and transformation for the team.

Throughout their history, the Coyotes have faced numerous challenges, including financial instability, ownership changes, and difficulties in establishing a consistent competitive presence in the NHL. Despite these obstacles, the franchise has cultivated a loyal fan base and has made significant contributions to the growth of hockey in the southwestern United States. The team’s journey from Winnipeg to Arizona reflects broader themes in professional sports, including the impact of market size on financial viability and the challenges of maintaining team identity amidst relocation and rebranding efforts.

Foundation and Early Years

The foundation of the franchise as the Winnipeg Jets in the WHA brought professional hockey to Winnipeg and established the team as a dominant force in the league. The signing of NHL superstar Bobby Hull was a landmark moment, not only for the Jets but for the WHA, as it challenged the NHL’s monopoly on top hockey talent and helped to raise player salaries across both leagues. The Jets’ success in the WHA, highlighted by their three championships, is a testament to their early dominance and the strong foundation laid during this period. However, the transition to the NHL in 1979 marked the beginning of a more challenging era, as the team struggled to replicate its WHA success against the more established NHL teams.

The early years in the NHL were marked by rebuilding, as the Jets had to navigate the loss of key players due to the terms of the NHL-WHA merger. Despite these challenges, the team gradually regained competitiveness, making multiple playoff appearances in the 1980s and early 1990s. This period was characterized by resilience and a determination to overcome the obstacles posed by the transition to the NHL, setting the stage for the franchise’s eventual relocation to Phoenix. The move was driven by financial difficulties and the desire for a more sustainable market, but it also required the franchise to rebuild its identity in a new city with a different hockey culture.

Notable Early Achievements

In the WHA, the Winnipeg Jets were a powerhouse, consistently competing at the league’s highest level and securing three championship titles. These achievements were significant, not only for the trophies but for the role the team played in challenging the NHL’s dominance and contributing to the evolution of professional hockey. The Jets’ success in the WHA laid the groundwork for their entry into the NHL, setting high expectations for the franchise’s performance in the more competitive league.

Upon entering the NHL, the team faced significant challenges, including a difficult initial transition period marked by roster changes and competitive struggles. However, through strategic rebuilding and the development of talent, the Jets, and later the Coyotes, managed to create memorable moments and secure playoff appearances. While the franchise has yet to capture a Stanley Cup, its history is filled with periods of competitive play and notable achievements that have contributed to the team’s legacy in both Winnipeg and Arizona. These early achievements underscore the franchise’s resilience and capacity to rebuild and compete at a high level.

Periods of Change

The Coyotes’ relocation to Phoenix represented a major shift, introducing the team to a new market and fan base. This move required significant adjustments, not only in terms of branding and fan engagement but also in building a competitive team in a different hockey environment. The early years in Phoenix were characterized by a mix of excitement and challenge, as the team worked to establish itself in the southwestern United States, a region not traditionally associated with ice hockey. The subsequent name change to the Arizona Coyotes in 2014 further reflected the franchise’s commitment to representing the broader state and engaging with a wider audience.

Financial instability and ownership changes have been recurring themes in the Coyotes’ history, impacting the team’s operational stability and its relationship with the city of Glendale, where their arena is located. These periods of change have tested the franchise’s resilience and adaptability, with the NHL stepping in at one point to take control of the team. Despite these challenges, the Coyotes have managed to secure a year-to-year arrangement to play in their current facility, highlighting ongoing efforts to stabilize and grow the franchise in the face of adversity.

Championships and Achievements

While the Arizona Coyotes have yet to lift the Stanley Cup, they’ve achieved some noteworthy milestones. The franchise’s only division title came in 2012, when they won the Pacific Division. Additionally, in the same year, they reached their furthest playoff stage, the Western Conference Finals.

Individual Coyotes have also made their mark in the NHL. Shane Doan holds the franchise record for most games played, goals, assists, and points. Other stars like Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Clayton Keller have left indelible marks on Arizona hockey history.

Current Roster

The current Arizona Coyotes roster is a blend of young talent and experienced veterans. The team is in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing promising prospects. Leading the charge offensively are dynamic forwards Clayton Keller, who possesses outstanding playmaking skills, and Nick Schmaltz, known for his creativity and speed. Barrett Hayton adds versatility and a scoring touch to the forward group.

Defensively, the Coyotes are anchored by the hard-hitting Lawson Crouse and the offensively gifted Jakob Chychrun. These veterans provide stability and leadership to a young blue line. In goal, Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka form a promising tandem, both eager to prove themselves as NHL starters. The Coyotes’ rebuilding strategy puts a premium on player development, and their current roster boasts a mix of exciting young players looking to establish themselves in the league.

Management and Coaching Staff

At the helm of the Coyotes’ rebuilding efforts is General Manager Bill Armstrong. Known for his keen eye for talent and shrewd decision-making, Armstrong is responsible for shaping the team’s roster and strategic direction. He brings a wealth of experience from his past roles with the St. Louis Blues, where he contributed to their Stanley Cup championship in 2019.

Working alongside Armstrong is a team of hockey executives committed to rebuilding a competitive Coyotes team. Key figures include Assistant General Manager John Ferguson, who oversees player development and scouting, and Larry Pleau, Senior Advisor to the General Manager, who brings years of NHL experience to the front office.

Head coach André Tourigny is tasked with instilling a hard-working and structured style of play within the Coyotes. Tourigny emphasizes skill development and tactical awareness, aiming to mold the team’s young talent into a cohesive unit. He has a proven track record of success in junior hockey and international competition.

Tourigny is supported by assistant coaches Mario Duhamel, Blaine Forsythe, and John Madden. Duhamel focuses on the defensive systems, while Forsythe works with the forwards. Madden brings a wealth of knowledge as a three-time Stanley Cup winner during his playing career. Goaltending coach Corey Schwab plays a crucial role in developing both Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka.

Home Stadium Information

The Arizona Coyotes currently call Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University their temporary home. Mullett Arena, with its capacity of just 5,000 seats, is the smallest venue in the NHL. While this creates some logistical challenges, it also generates a unique and electrifying atmosphere due to its intimacy. The passionate Coyotes fanbase packs the arena, leading to an intense and energetic game-day experience.

The Coyotes’ stay at Mullett Arena is part of a larger plan. The franchise has long sought a new, permanent home and is actively working on a state-of-the-art arena project in Tempe. This new arena is envisioned as a cornerstone of the team’s future, promising a modern fan experience, enhanced amenities, and a revitalized presence for the Coyotes within the Arizona community. While the Tempe arena remains under development, the team aims to foster a devoted fanbase and a sense of excitement within the intimate confines of Mullett Arena.