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In the NHL, where Arizona Coyotes players have often stolen the spotlight, it's the behind-the-scenes heroes who quietly contribute to the team's success. One such hero is Stan Wilson, the team's longtime equipment manager, who recently received a heartfelt farewell from the players in what may be the final game for this iteration of the franchise.
The Yotes ended their season with a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers in their home. But what truly stood out in the game was the heartfelt moments that the players shared with Wilson. As the final minute of the game ticked down, we witnessed cheers from the crowd at Mullett Arena in Tempe. Fans had already overbooked the arena, displaying their appreciation for the team and the staff who have represented Arizona for years.
The Yotes broadcasters chose to go silent for the last 20 seconds, allowing the raw emotion of the moment to speak for itself.
The Arizona Coyotes' Twitter account, which now changed its name to Phoenix Coyotes, had tweeted a post for Wilson before the game:
"Longtime Coyotes equipment manager Stan Wilson achieved a major milestone when he worked his 2,500th NHL game on Sunday.@spetershockey put that number and the humble man behind it in perspective (sorry Stan, this was all Petey's idea)."
Here's a quick look at the amazing moment when Stan Wilson received warm hugs from Yotes players. He broke down in tears in that special moment.
Star forward Clayton Keller expressed his gratitude to the fans,
"They've supported us through a lot of ups and downs, and through all the noise, they've always had our backs," Keller said.
After the game, rookie Logan Cooley shared his emotions about the bittersweet moment of bidding farewell to Mullett Arena.
"It's super surreal," Cooley remarked.
The Yotes' victory, highlighted by goals from Lawson Crouse, Matias Maccelli, Liam O'Brien, Sean Durzi, and Dylan Guenther, served as a fitting tribute to the team's resilience and spirit throughout the season.
Coach Andre Tourigny praised his players for their outstanding effort and dedication.
"The way they played, the way they fought, the way they focused on every game, and they played structured, they played with heart, and they played with passion. I'm impressed, and I'm really proud of them," Tourigny said.
Arizona Coyotes 5-2 win over Edmonton Oilers
The Arizona Coyotes ended their 28-year tenure in Arizona with a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Dylan Guenther contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting the Yotes' strong performance. Liam O'Brien and Sean Durzi also scored, while Connor Ingram made 25 saves.
The game marked an emotional farewell for the Coyotes and their fans ahead of their relocation to Salt Lake City. Despite the Oilers' efforts, including goals from Sam Carrick and Warren Foegele, the Yotes' energy and determination prevailed.
The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated the team's final game in Arizona with passion and excitement.
