Two hockey franchises are in trouble. The situation the Arizona Coyotes are in right now is embarrassing for the league. The team is playing in a college arena that seats five thousand people, and right now they’re averaging just 4,600 for each home game. Team ownership wants a new arena and on Friday an auction was announced for a prime piece of land near Phoenix.
The starting price for the 95 acres is set at $68.5 million. “I think people are craving certainty,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said recently. “And we are, too, but this isn’t a 60-minute game where the light goes on and the game’s over. He’s (Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo) working on it. We still have some time.” But, the clock is ticking. A group in Salt Lake City, Utah, is interested in buying the team.
Winnipeg Hockey Franchise In Trouble?
The situation in Winnipeg is also a worry for the league. After bringing the Atlanta Thrashers to this hockey heaven nearly 13 years ago, the hockey franchise is now fighting to stay alive. The Jets play in the league’s smallest permanent arena, with just over 15 thousand seats. This season the average attendance is the lowest of any team, except for Arizona. Chairman Mark Chipman was hailed as a hero in 2011, today he’s personally calling former season ticket holders to invite them back. “It isn’t going to work very well unless this building is sold out every night,” Commissioner Gary Bettman told the Athletic. Team president and CEO Xavier Gutierrez told the Hockey News ownership is not considering a sale.
Hockey Canada Names Leader for 2026 Olympic Team
St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong will be the GM for the 2026 Canadian Olympic hockey team in an announcement today by Hockey Canada. The management team also includes former Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf. “Doug and Ryan both bring accomplished careers and many years of NHL and international experience to Hockey Canada…” chief operating officer Pat McLaughlin said.
Armstrong will also lead management groups for the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off and future IIHF World Championship tournaments. Also, Armstrong won two Olympic gold medals and the Stanley Cup in 2019. Getzlaf was named player relations adviser. This is the first time since the 2014 NHL players will be part of the Olympics. That was the last year Canada won a gold medal. The 2026 games will be held in Italy. Hockey franchises and emerging changes will be massive in how these events play out.
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