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Morning Skate: The Coyotes’ arena deal is great news for the future of hockey
Never underestimate the growth in unorthodox markets.
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Lace ‘em up. Time for the Morning Skate.
SOUTHERN PRIDE
So you might’ve heard some big news this week: The Coyotes and Arizona State are partnering on a new arena deal in the East Valley, right on the ASU campus. This is the final chapter in the years-long saga between the Coyotes and the city of Glendale, and should keep the team thriving in the desert.
In full disclosure, I grew up in Texas but was born and raised initially in Phoenix. So I’ve been fortunate enough to watch both markets grow as hockey hotbeds. And it warms my heart to know Arizona is getting strong hockey for years to come. Against all odds, Arizona hockey continues to grow: Tucson added an AHL affiliate this season. Arizona State Hockey is thrilling stuff, and could be the start of a strong Pac-12 hockey league now that they’re working with the NHL. And the Coyotes’ new arena makes them accessible to more fans while kick-starting a youth development program next door. The big news this summer was that Arizona native Auston Matthews was the first overall pick. The latest news is that he could be the first of many top Arizonan prospects going forward.
That’s so good to hear. As a Texan and Arizonan, maybe I’m biased. But it’s not a stretch to say that hockey is better when southern markets are growing stronger.
NEWS NEWS NEWS
- So the big news last night was the latest injury to Steven Stamkos, who tweaked his leg after a goal and never returned. At one point last night, he was tied for the league lead in points. The dude can’t catch a break.
- Carey Price deserves every ounce of acclaim he receives, but nobody really talks about his puck-handling skills.
- Speaking of Price, he was a broken stick by Aaron Ekblad away from tying an 89-year-old Canadiens record last night. Which, as it turns out, is how old Aaron Ekblad is.
- The sun rose in the east this morning, and Senators fans are still fed up with their owner.
- The Predators might be struggling, but (luckily for them) so is the rest of the division.
- Except for the Jets.
- John Tortorella called the Jackets’ latest big win against the Capitals an identity win.
- You might think the Oilers’ top defensive prospect is doing better this year. You’d be wrong.
- With the Ducks leading the Pacific, it sure seems like that Cam Fowler trade is off the table. For now.
- Brady Skjei is surprising everyone in New York. So play him consistently, Vigneault.
- Flyers fans can rest easy this week now that Eric Lindros is in the Hall of Fame.
- The Islanders are clinging to dear life and their fans are getting tired of it.
- Matt Murray is back and already cementing his starting role again.
- Hey, remember when the Stars were good at overtime and stuff? Me neither.
- Chad Johnson = Flames hero. Now the question is who will Calgary start against Arizona?
- If you don’t mind a little cultural and political commentary with your dose of hockey analysis, Second City had a great post this week.
- Hey, maybe Joel Ward is a career third-liner? Just a thought, Sharks.
- Vancouver got steamrolled by the Rangers, who are basically doing that to everyone right now.
- In the world of women’s college hockey, Wisconsin and Minnesota are reigning supreme.
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