The Winnipeg Jets will be called the Coyotes when the
franchise moves to Phoenix to start the '96-97 season, according
to Steve Weston of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The team announced the
name, along with a new logo with the colors purple, brick red,
dark green, sand and black. The logo is a "modernish,
Southwestern-style coyote dressed as a hockey player with some
tinges of a Kachina doll in him." Player jerseys were not
unveiled as Coyote COO Shawn Hunter said more work needs to be
completed and that they won't be revealed for another 60 to 90
days. The logo was designed by NHL creative designer David Haney
and the Phoenix-based design firm of Campbell Fisher Ditko. A
secondary mark is a crescent moon, representing a "C" for
Coyotes. At the five-hour party at America West Arena, co-Owner
Richard Burke also announced the team is planning to build its
own practice facility (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/9). Minority investor
Jerry Colangelo said the Coyotes will share in equal billing with
the NBA Suns and MLB Diamonbacks in all Suns team retail shops
(Bob McManaman, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/9). ESPN's Keith Olbermann
notes the Coyotes beat out the Outlaws, Scorpions and the
"Phreese" ("SportsCenter," 4/8).
