Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo shared his emotional response to the team’s final game as it marked the end of an era for the Coyotes in Arizona. Meruelo expressed deep feelings of sadness and disappointment while watching the game and acknowledged the love and support the team has received from fans in Arizona. Despite the team’s relocation to Utah, Meruelo reassured fans that he retained the rights to the Coyotes’ name and logo with plans to potentially reactivate the franchise in Arizona within five years.
The decision to relocate the team was a difficult one for Meruelo, who emphasized the importance of considering the well-being of the players and their families. While acknowledging the criticism from upset fans, Meruelo expressed empathy for their sentiments and apologized for any inappropriate actions by the team. He also highlighted his intention to build a state-of-the-art arena in Phoenix, which could potentially lead to the award of an expansion team to the city in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by the Coyotes in their final days in Arizona, Meruelo expressed optimism for the future, citing the potential for success with the right team in place. With confidence in the team’s competitiveness and the support of the Phoenix community, Meruelo envisioned a bright future for hockey in Arizona. As the Coyotes bid farewell to their home state, a new chapter begins in Utah, where passionate fans eagerly await the arrival of a promising team.
