Arizona Coyotes officially release last statement in franchise history

PUBLICATION

Dave Colabelli
April 18, 2024 (7:32 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The day has arrived where the Arizona Coyotes have finally relocated after a year of irregular activity, and playing in front of a college arena that holds 5000 fans. The team has now moved to the state of Utah. The Coyotes have released one final statement via the NHL.

In the statement, Gary Bettman and Alex Merelo shared their thoughts on the relocation of the team who is now heading to Utah.

The National Hockey League's Board of Governors today approved the establishment of a franchise beginning with the 2024-25 season in Utah, that will be owned and controlled by Smith Entertainment Group, which is led by Ryan and Ashley Smith. In addition, the Board approved a plan that renders the Arizona Coyotes franchise inactive, with a right to reactivate if owner Alex Meruelo has fully constructed a new, state-of-the-art facility appropriate for an NHL team within five years.
Effective at closing, the approved transactions will result in the Coyotes' franchise transferring the totality of its existing hockey assets - including its full Reserve List, roster of Players and draft picks and its Hockey Operations Department - to the Utah franchise.

"As everyone knows, Utah is a vibrant and thriving state, and we are thrilled to be a part of it," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
"We are also delighted to welcome Ashley and Ryan Smith to the NHL family and know they will be great stewards of the game in Utah. We thank them for working so collaboratively with the League to resolve a complex situation in this unprecedented and beneficial way.
"The NHL's belief in Arizona has never wavered. We thank Alex Meruelo for his commitment to the franchise and Arizona, and we fully support his ongoing efforts to secure a new home in the desert for the Coyotes. We also want to acknowledge the loyal hockey fans of Arizona, who have supported their team with dedication for nearly three decades while growing the game."

"We are honored to bring an NHL team to Utah and understand the responsibility we have as stewards of a new NHL franchise," said Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of Smith Entertainment Group "This is a transformative day for our state and our fans. Our intention had always been to pursue an expansion team. Commissioner Bettman conceived and proposed an ingenious plan that would allow us to acquire an NHL franchise while also helping to address and remedy an immediate need of the NHL. When he approached us and asked us for help resolving this situation, we made the bold decision to introduce a new franchise in Utah, fully understanding that we are stepping up to do something in a time frame and way that has never been done before in professional sports under these circumstances.
"We are committed to building a Stanley Cup contending team and are thrilled to welcome incredible players, coaches, staff, and their families to Utah.
Today is a great day for Utah, for hockey, and for building a legacy that will have a lasting impact for generations to come," the Smiths continued.

The Coyotes owner will have a chance to bring hockey back to Arizona within the next five years shall a new arena be built that is appropriate for an NHL team.