Andrea Doan at the Helm of Hockey Revival in Phoenix

Exciting developments are underway to bring professional hockey back to the Valley of the Sun! Andrea Doan, wife of Arizona hockey icon Shane Doan, has been appointed as the leader of the newly formed exploratory committee dedicated to reviving NHL action in Maricopa County. This initiative, championed by Board of Supervisors Chair Tom Galvin, aims to officially re-establish a hockey franchise in Phoenix.

A Legacy of Hockey Passion

Craig Morgan from Arizona Insider aptly noted, "If there were a royal family of Arizona hockey, the Doans would hold that title." While many expected Shane to take the reins, his current role as a special assistant to the GM with the Toronto Maple Leafs prevents him from being directly involved. Thus, Andrea steps forward as the face of the Doan family's vision for hockey's return.

A Mission with a Purpose

In her statement, Andrea reflected on their shared commitment, saying, "Whatever Shane and I do, we always do together, but his focus right now is in Toronto. This role for me is a separate entity, working with the NHL to bring the organization back to Phoenix where it truly belongs." This determination signals her dedication to rekindling hockey's vibrant history in the area.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

However, the exploratory committee faces significant challenges, including securing a committed ownership group and identifying prime locations for potential venues in Phoenix. So far, Mat Ishbia, who holds majority ownership of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is the only notable figure expressing interest in revitalizing hockey in the desert.

A New Era of Possibility

With no impediments remaining from the last franchise owners, the path looks clearer. Alex Meruelo’s decision to dissolve the Coyotes' intellectual property means that the NHL now holds that mantle, paving the way for new ownership options.

The NHL's Stance on Expansion

Despite a competitive landscape with emerging ownership groups in Houston and Atlanta, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has historically supported hockey's presence in Phoenix. His comments on potential expansions might have been lighthearted, but the seriousness of bringing back a franchise to Arizona is evident.

Community Roots Offer Hope

While the committee's journey to re-establish an NHL franchise in Arizona is fraught with challenges, the Doan family's strong ties and influence in the local community present a unique advantage. Their legacy could very well galvanize public sentiment and sway the NHL leadership towards giving Phoenix another shot at professional hockey.