The Save The Coyotes Coalition

Today Judge Baum approved the NHL’s bid to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes out of bankruptcy. Here’s the official statement from NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly:

“We are pleased and very encouraged by today’s developments in court. Now that approval of the proposed sale has been entered by the Court, the National Hockey League will work to close the transaction quickly and assume full control of the Coyotes’ business operations. The League also will engage immediately in a process to identify — and expedite sale of the franchise to — new ownership that is committed to the Club’s long-term success in the Phoenix/Glendale area. We do not intend to comment publicly on that process.

“The NHL thanks Coyotes fans for their continued support of the franchise and hopes that today’s developments will provide fans further reason to embrace the Coyotes in order to ensure the team’s long-term future in Arizona.”

I’d like to emphasize the importance of that last sentence. I’m going to repeat it so that it sinks in: “The NHL thanks Coyotes fans for their continued support of the franchise and hopes that today’s developments will provide fans further reason to embrace the Coyotes in order to ensure the team’s long-term future in Arizona.” Throughout the summer the NHL has repeatedly shown us their commitment to this market. They have spent countless amounts of money in legal fees, they have had a representative in court for all the hearings. They have done more than their share and they will do more as they hunt for new ownership. I’m going to be honest here & if I offend I apologize but the time for sugar coating has come and gone.

Attendance at Jobing.com Arena thus far this season has been nothing short of pathetic. We sold out the home opener and the place hasn’t come close to filling up since. I sit there at our home games and the sinking feeling in my stomach worsens as I look around the arena and see all the empty seats. We currently have some of the cheapest ticket prices in the league, even before they were hugely discounted for opening night. Our team is having their best start to the season that they’ve seen in years. Our starting goalie was just named the NHL’s 3rd Star for the month of October. So where are the fans??? Our team needs us now more than ever. They are working their Coyote tails off each and every night. But some of the fans are taking a different approach… they are taking a “lay down and die” approach. If we average 6000 people a night at Jobing.com Arena this season the NHL will move this team. And who could blame them? That’s not even half the capacity of the arena.

So its up to you Phoenix. We now have a Coaching staff who have implemented a system that works. Our team is showing more promise than they have in years. The NHL is committed to keeping our team here if we show that we are committed to them. So what are YOU going to do? I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’m going to go to as many games as I possibly can. I have season tickets, only one seat because that’s all that I can afford. If I can’t make it to a game, I’ll give my ticket to someone who will use it. I’m going to encourage as many people to come to games as possible. I’m going to bring people with me when possible. I’m going to tell everyone about the Coyotes and their situation. I don’t want to lose my team.

Heather McWhorter
President, Save the Coyotes Coalition
CoyotesCoalition@yahoo.com