New Efforts to Bring NHL Back to Arizona Gain Momentum
In a strategic move to revive professional hockey in Arizona, Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin has unveiled a team of influential figures tasked with bringing an NHL team back to the state. Following the sale of the Arizona Coyotes to a Utah-based group last year, this initiative seeks to restore the sport’s presence in the Valley.
Galvin’s announcement in September regarding the formation of an advisory panel marked the beginning of this ambitious project. The panel’s primary focus is to explore potential ownership opportunities, identify viable stadium locations, and address other critical factors essential for the return of the NHL.
Leading the effort is Andrea Doan, wife of Shane Doan, a former Arizona Coyote. She emphasized, “Arizona is a major sports state. People come across the country, across the world, to come here to watch our professional sports teams year round, and it is important to bring back the NHL to the fifth-largest metro in the nation.”
The expanded panel now includes notable figures such as Arizona Chamber of Commerce CEO Danny Seiden and Sandra Watson from the Arizona Commerce Authority. This assembly of experts and leaders aims to leverage their diverse backgrounds to achieve the goal of bringing NHL hockey back to Arizona.
Among the panel members are several former and current local officials, including Goodyear City Councilmember Trey Terry, former Mesa Mayor John Giles, and ex-Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner. Their collective experience is expected to provide valuable insights into the political and logistical landscape of the region.
“So when I made the announcement that I’m forming an advisory panel, I had an image and a vision in mind that we needed political leadership, we needed business leadership, and we needed hockey experts to come together,” explained Galvin, highlighting the collaborative approach being taken.
Contributing legal expertise is Jordan Rose, an attorney with a history of working with sports organizations like the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Rising. Rose, who shares a professional connection with Galvin at Rose Law Group, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the project’s legal aspects.
Rounding out the team is Taylor Burke, who oversees the Ice Den ice rinks in Scottsdale and Chandler. With a personal history tied to the Jets’ relocation to Phoenix in 1996, Burke brings both industry knowledge and passion to the panel. His previous experience as an assistant general manager further enriches the group’s capabilities.
