Founded: 1972 in the World Hockey Association. Joined NHL in 1979.
Formerly known as: Winnipeg Jets (1972-1996)
Arena: Glendale Arena
Stanley Cups: 0
Phoenix Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets Retired Numbers:
9 Bobby Hull (1972-1980)
10 Dale Hawerchuk (1981-1990)
25 Thomas Steen (1981-1995)
Phoenix Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets Hockey Hall of Fame Members:
Dale Hawerchuk
Robert Marvin (Bobby) Hull
Serge Aubrey Savard
2009-10 Coyotes Season Preview:
The Coyotes were bad at just about every aspect of the game last year, and did little to improve during the off-season.
Offense, defense, goaltending, power play, penalty kill – you name it – Phoenix ranked near the bottom of the league in just about every category in 2008-09.
This season, the team will rely heavily on the continued progress of young players like Kyle Turris, Mikkel Boedker, and Peter Mueller. A better effort from the goaltenders might provide a few extra wins as well.
Among the veterans, Shane Doan stands out as a martyr to the cause. One of the NHL’s most reliable forwards, he’s wasting his peak years on a dreadful team.
If the Coyotes are prudently managed, they could have a promising future. But it’s a long ways off, and it’s probably not in Phoenix. And as the wrangling continues over who will own this orphaned franchise, 2009-10 promises to be a forgettable year.
Michael Alfred Gartner