Arizona Coyotes: Statement from President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez after the ‘No’ votes final night time.
“We are very disillusioned Tempe voters didn’t approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303. As Tempe Mayor Corey Woods stated, it was the finest sports activities deal in Arizona historical past.
The Coyotes want to thank everybody who supported our efforts and voted sure. So many neighborhood leaders stepped up and have become our advocates and for that we’re really grateful. We additionally want to thank the numerous volunteers who labored so laborious to try to make the Tempe Entertainment District a actuality and the Tempe City Council for their assist as effectively.
While we needed a distinct consequence, we stay grateful to all those that volunteered their time and expertise. What is subsequent for the franchise might be evaluated by our homeowners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks.”
Here are the present voting outcomes from Arizona, with the potential Coyotes rink proposals being defeated pic.twitter.com/2edSmQxBzO
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 17, 2023
NHL Public Relations: Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“The National Hockey League is terribly disappointed by the results of the public referenda regarding the Coyotes’ arena project in Tempe. We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might be going forward.”
Thoughts from the media
Craig Morgan: “I have received text messages from too many former Coyotes to count. All were devastated by this news tonight. I wish I had hopeful news for Coyotes fans who have stuck with this franchise through so many disappointments, but I have to wonder if the NHL’s patience has run out.”
Craig Morgan: “Gutierrez said that what is next for the Coyotes will be evaluated by the team and the NHL in the coming weeks. Gutierrez departed without taking questions. He was visibly shaken.”
Darren Dreger: “Many things to consider related to the @ArizonaCoyotes news. 1) Could Suns owner Mat Ishbia have interest in buying the Yotes and moving them downtown? This might be ideal. Although, the building would obviously need a hockey reno.”
- Darren Dreger: 2) Utah Jazz proprietor, Ryan Smith has publicly expressed curiosity in an NHL crew. Could Salt Lake City develop into a relocation goal? Relocation charges are vital. This would depart Houston/Atlanta as potential growth areas down the street a lot bigger growth {dollars}. Options.
- Darren Dreger: “What is likely best for all, is the Coyotes and Suns partner on new building. The cost of renovating a building that has just been renovated may be too expensive.”
Andy Strickland: “Options the league is exploring for the Coyotes includes this coming season. Chance the #Yotes have already played their final game in the desert.”
Greg Wyshynski: “Having lined Gary Bettman for the previous few many years, I imagine two issues:
1 – He will struggle to maintain the Coyotes in Arizona till there are zero choices left for them in that market. And this may be zero hour.
2 – He’s already game-planned for tonight’s consequence occurring”
Arpon Basu: “Not gonna lie, “what the options might be going forward” doesn’t sound like the NHL has a Plan B in Arizona.”
Rob Rossi: “Hockey in Arizona can work. At all levels. But I almost wonder if Coyotes going elsewhere and later expanding again into Arizona would make more sense for NHL. Let things cool for several years, and then open door for new owners to bring in expansion team Maybe?”
