A Real Life “Major League”
It was about this time last year that Jerry Moyes was debating how he could get out from under the mountain of debt that was the Phoenix Coyotes. The team was terrible, in the middle of a rebuild that seemed to be going on forever. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky was struggling as coach of the team, and no one was showing up at the games. The future of hockey in the Arizona dessert looked bleak when the team entered bankruptcy court and Canadian billionare Jim Balsillie was in line to be the next owner.
Fast forward one year, and the Coyotes are now tied for the top spot in the Western Conference. Who saw this coming? Nobody! I was fortunate enough to see this team play the Caps in Washington Glendale
The Coyotes aren’t doing this with a bunch of young kids, or a ton of high prices veteran talent, but they seemed to find that “spark” between youth and experience. The chemistry on this team is clicking. Although I doubt they have a cardboard standup of the owner that they remove clothing from after each win. (see.. Major League)
I’m willing to bet that Jobing.com arena will be rocking once the post season starts. This Phoenix
It looks like hockey is safe in the desert for the moment, so all the “non-traditional hockey market haters” can aim their venom at the Florida Panthers and Atlanta Thrashers. By the way, the Thrash are only one point out of a playoff spot, without Ilya Kovalchuck. The next few weeks should be very interesting.
Hey Dude, you might wanna check your facts before getting all giddy over the Coyotes'. Jerry Reinsdorf is NOT part of the IceEdge Holdings Group. They (IEH) are comprised of 5 or 6 individuals who are not having much luck in the Lease Negotiations with the COG nor with their financing. Arizonas' Constitution forbids governmental largesse to businesses, IEH is asking for them, the COG is handcuffed with the public watchdog Goldwater Institute ready to pounce on any subsidies or breaks on the lease. Rumor has it that Jerry Reinsdorf re-entered the fray, however, if his offer is anywhere near as tax payer heavy subsidizations as it was last summer, no deal. I'd love to see the Coyotes remain in Phoenix. Maloney/Tippet deserves medals. This is a bad situation & relocation/sale to Kansas City, Houston, Portland or Winnipeg is very very likely.
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