Getty Images
The Coyotes defeated the Oilers 5-2 last night in the final game of the franchise’s 28-year run in the state, but the score "really was secondary as the team stayed on the ice thanking fans" following the win. The fans, "many dressed for a final 'Whiteout,'" gave the team "a last standing ovation sendoff that filled Mullett arena with emotion." Several "prominent players in Coyotes history" attended the final game, and the atmosphere at Mullett Arena was "bittersweet." Signs were "lined up on the boards for warmups with thank you messages to players." Fans also "organized parties in the parking lot" (
ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/17).
As the players celebrated the victory, the hockey staff "poured onto the ice to join them for celebrations and a team photo" (
AP, 4/17). Fans "treated it like one big party, creating a buzz unlike any during the Coyotes' two years at Mullett Arena." The team "felt the energy and fed off it" (
AP, 4/17).
It was reported that Coyotes owner
Alex Meruleo "did not even attend the finale of his own team" in Tempe. A child in a Coyotes jersey held up a sign that read: "Thank you for helping me -- not you -- fall in love with hockey," and the "not you" was written under a picture of Meruelo. The night "was like a funeral where a true heel lies in the coffin, yet everyone takes turns eulogizing him as an awesome guy." Because "that’s what you’re supposed to say about the recently passed" (
SPORTSNET.ca, 4/17).
