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Arizona Coyotes’ owner Alex Meruelo has ended his silence. In a statement released today, Meruelo confirmed the sale of the Coyotes while affirming his plans to reactivate the now-defunct franchise."
In his statement, Alex Meruelo offered the following explanation:
"It is simply unfair to continue to have our Players, coaches, hockey front office, and other NHL teams spend several more years playing in an arena that is not suited for NHL hockey," he said.
Meruelo would go on to reiterate his commitment to hockey in Arizona:
"But this is not the end for NHL hockey in Arizona. I have negotiated the right to reactivate the team within the next five years and have retained ownership of the beloved Coyotes, brand, and logo."
Today’s announcement officially ends months-long speculation regarding the Coyotes’ sale to Salt Lake City-based millionaire Ryan Smith. Smith attempted to land a franchise during the NHL’s last round of expansion.
However, the franchise went to Seattle. Since then, Smith turned his attention to the Coyotes. Meruelo was eventually forced to sell the club as he struggled to secure a new arena deal. He will reportedly receive $1 billion while retaining exclusive rights to the Coyotes team.
Meruelo concluded today’s statement with the following:
"I remain committed to this community and to building a first-class sports arena and entertainment district without seeking financial support from the public."
After 28 years, hockey will say goodbye to the desert. Hopefully, the resurrection of the Desert Dogs will usher in a new era of hockey in Arizona.
NHL seals deal between Alex Meruelo and Ryan Smith
The NHL Board of Governors met today to vote on the pending Coyotes deal. The board voted unanimously to approve the sale.
In total, Smith will pay $1.2 billion to the league, with a $200 million relocation fee. The new Salt Lake City club will hit the ice this fall.
"We really believe Utah can be an incredible hockey town," said Smith as per The Associated Press.
Now, Smith will have a chance to prove Salt Lake City is ready for NHL prime time.
In the meantime, Alex Meruelo is expected to continue running the Tucson Roadrunners. The AHL Coyotes’ former AHL affiliate is planned to move into Mullet Arena.
The CBC reported NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s comments:
"The NHL’s belief in Arizona has never wavered. We thank Alex Meruelo for this commitment to the franchise and Arizona, and we fully support his ongoing efforts to secure a new home in the desert for the Coyotes."
The hope is that the Coyotes will return to Arizona. While that prospect may seem distant at the moment, the NHL seems willing to bet that Meruelo can follow through on his word. The clock is now ticking on the Coyotes’ NHL resurgence.
