Friday, February 25, 2011

The Coyotes forever in my Heart

I have felt very strongly on the subject since I heard that were considering  moving the Coyotes. I realize that this is old news, but this is my first blog and I still feel strongly on the subject.
I couldn't believe something like that was even up for discussion! Although now living in Southern Ontario and a Habs fan, my heart will always have a place in it for the Phoenix Coyotes. I was born in Arizona, and there were no Coyotes when I was young. I didn't even hear of the concept of hockey until I was about seven years old watching Casey Jones in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Probably because the closest team was the L.A. Kings. Who in my eyes didn't grow popular until Gretzky played, and even afterward had a lot of growing to do, and is still nowhere near Canada or New England. I would have loved a shot of getting out there and playing the intense, physical, demanding game I have come to love. There were NO programs for hockey in the town I lived in. None, In fact the closest place to skate was an hour and a half away.
My point is having the Coyotes there is introducing hockey to children who would never had the opportunity to gain interest. Who knows what kind of talent we will see come out of there now, due to the growing popularity of the sport. However, growing it is. To even have considered taking the team away from there is cutting interest and support in that part of the USA off or to be generous to a mere trickle. I realize there are major politics associated with NHL organizations but essentially the NHL has to do what is best for the sport of hockey. It is the Professional level after all. The best thing for hockey is for everyone to have a shot to play if they want. To continue to grow in new populations. Eventually allowing these thing to take place will provide the NHL with a higher grade of talent and a more competitive game. In addition to that the growing fan base will also buy merchandise and fill up the arena, thus generating more money for the Organization and the NHL.
Under Tippet's reins, the Coyotes had a fabulous season. They truly were the underdog of the Playoffs last year. They have proven, as have their supporters, that they deserve a spot in the NHL and are truly a force to be reckoned with
I lived in North Carolina about 30 mins away from Raleigh, when the Canes won Lord Stanley's cup. In the short time until I left in 2008, fan base grew huge. There were more and more places popping up for kids to participate in hockey and learn it. I was fascinated at the growth. 
To take that away from Arizona would have been a crime. To take that away from any developing area, as far as hockey goes, is a crime. The folks in Winnipeg will have to wait. Its not like they don't have frozen ponds and shinny rinks all over.

1 comment:

  1. I love this post - and I love it when people around the world stick up for hockey in the desert! Thank you! http://icehockeydiva.blogspot.com New follower here!

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