Coyotes Sold; NHL Heads To Alaska
After several years of mediocrity in the desert, the Phoenix Coyotes are no longer.
"Its a sad day...not only for the city but the players as well. They enjoyed the fans as well as living in this fine city. I hear I no longer have a job either...so its a tough day", said Coyotes former GM Don Maloney.
Gary Bettman was more optimistic. "We believe that the NHL has a great opportunity heading to Alaska. We all know its an area where hockey is just as much of a religion as it is anywhere in Canada, and now there is an NHL representative. We're very proud of that, today."
Exxon is the buyer of the franchise and the Wolverines will play at the newly built Exxon Center, which seats 18,000.
There is much skepticism around the league as the Alaskan city has a population of 286,000 people, placing it last among other NHL cities by a wide margin, but new team President Dave Swansen feels as though this will work for the good of the franchise.
"We are the only thing going in town!!! I truly believe the city of Anchorage will do a wonderful job supporting its NHL hockey team. If I didn't, I don't think I would have chosen to spend Exxon's money here."
The Anchorage Wolverines will be comprised of the roster of the Phoenix Coyotes, a roster with solid goaltending and a great combination of promising prospects and experienced veterans.
Alaska, welcome to the NHL.
After several years of mediocrity in the desert, the Phoenix Coyotes are no longer.
"Its a sad day...not only for the city but the players as well. They enjoyed the fans as well as living in this fine city. I hear I no longer have a job either...so its a tough day", said Coyotes former GM Don Maloney.
Gary Bettman was more optimistic. "We believe that the NHL has a great opportunity heading to Alaska. We all know its an area where hockey is just as much of a religion as it is anywhere in Canada, and now there is an NHL representative. We're very proud of that, today."
Exxon is the buyer of the franchise and the Wolverines will play at the newly built Exxon Center, which seats 18,000.
There is much skepticism around the league as the Alaskan city has a population of 286,000 people, placing it last among other NHL cities by a wide margin, but new team President Dave Swansen feels as though this will work for the good of the franchise.
"We are the only thing going in town!!! I truly believe the city of Anchorage will do a wonderful job supporting its NHL hockey team. If I didn't, I don't think I would have chosen to spend Exxon's money here."
The Anchorage Wolverines will be comprised of the roster of the Phoenix Coyotes, a roster with solid goaltending and a great combination of promising prospects and experienced veterans.
Alaska, welcome to the NHL.
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