This was absolutely heartbreaking to watch

It finally happened. After years of instability, bankruptcy, ownership changes, and constant rumours, the Arizona Coyotes played their final game in Arizona. While some will say hockey doesn’t belong in the desert, ironically this game came on the same night the best goal scorer in the world right now chased down 70. Arguably, Arizona native Auston Matthews may never have played hockey if not for "hockey in the Desert". It’s such a shame this ownership group couldn’t get it right and now great people, fans and a community have to watch on hopelessly as they lose their NHL team. A young team that holds a lot of a promise. The Coyotes absolutely came to play facing off against the Edmonton Oilers. They brought energy and plenty of goals but as a whole, it was just heartbreaking to watch. Salt Lake Sucks chants broke out and as the fans gave their final salut to the fans, there wasn't a dry eye in the arena. I'm just glad fans got to say their goodbyes. With all that said, enjoy as I cover what was the last NHL game played in Mullet Arena!

#nhl #hockey #highlights #arizonacoyotes #edmontonoilers #torontomapleleafs

[nextmanupNMU]

What should the new Salt Lake City team be called?

[jediko]

The best part was the shirts-off-backs ceremony where they took their jerseys off, signed them, and gave them to fans. They were on the ice for a good 45 minutes after the game ended. The gave out their sticks, went to the back room to give out their backup sticks, signed hats and pucks and tossed them into the croud. Logan Cooley even tried to give away his helmet. Afterward they pulled out the mats and opened the zamboni doors so fans could go on the ice and meet the players. All that, plus a 5-2 win, what a perfect send off

[LoveLawWill]

Av's fan, here. Sympathy to everyone in the Yote Pack. You are a great fan base and y'all deserve better. Hockey belongs in Phoenix.

[AustonMatthews_GOAT]

Very sad. My heart goes out to all the players and staff of the franchise. Hope there is still a future for professional hockey in Arizona.

[rifffki]

I'm not from AZ, but I hated how when I got into hockey everyone was down on them. I got into at the right time, with Keller on the team and finally a glimmer of hope. It hurts because we were so close, to having a team worth believing in and finally, finally showing just how good hockey in the desert can be.

I spent the whole game in tears.

[sydisticsandman]

The NHL looses another WONDERFUL jeresy. My heart goes out to the Fans and staff.

[wishingwell]

i’m primarily a red wings fan; always have, always will be. But i fell in love with the coyotes as of late, and to lose them just as i was starting to really get into it hurts. i can’t imagine how it feels for the fans that have grown up with the yotes. i hope one day they’re able to come back and that in the meantime, the hockey culture there thrives.

[foronetacos]

Sad seeing that logo go. It was the best one in the game.

[chefdano]

I live and grew up in Connecticut. I feel really bad for the fans in Arizona, I know the feeling all too well. It will take a long time to get over it, but just try to remember that Hockey is a great sport, and that just because the NHL has left your city, that doesn't mean that Hockey itself has left. Keep on skating Arizona

[The_Walnoys]

As a team that I wasn't into as a kid, still in my opinion is the best logos in hockey history.

Edit: Just figured to add that I wish that the team at least had one more playoff run.

[Toedragrealease]

As a coyotes fan who grew up watching them I don’t think I would still be playing hockey if not for the players and this franchise I shedded a tear last night watching the clock tick down 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and just like that almost 30 years was out the window. And remember the chants! Go yotes!

[KincadePavich]

Man, this is sad to see. Grew up in Flagstaff and was always a Coyotes fan despite countless losing seasons. Stepped away from hockey for almost 10 years, started playing beer league again here in Montana, and regained interest in following the NHL. Looking forward to watching some games in SLC whenever I'm down there, but will always miss the 'Yotes. Lots of childhood memories rooting for this team. Appreciate all you do Eck!

[flameslightning]

I'm a teacher born, raised and living in Boston and I travel to Arizona for February break every three years or so. I had the chance to go to four Coyotes games in my vacations to the Valley and I always had so much fun. The unique atmosphere and culture of the NHL in the desert was so special and I will deeply miss it. So while the Bruins are forever my team, the Coyotes will always have a special place in my heart.

[kylebaryonyx]

o7 Arizona Coyotes. Lots of great seasons under your belt. Happy I got to watch a fun team

[rytrnious]

What really sucks was seeing this team going off at the beginning of the year. They were really crushing it and looking like they could be a good wild card or even 3rd in the Pacific. Lo and behold, when all the rumors started the team went on a 14 game losing streak. Seems like the players probably had a bit of insight on what was going on and that really affected their game. That pretty much put them out of playoff contention.

[carlamerritt]

I love these segments you put out. Your very good at this.

[rameses]

Just when the Coyotes buolt up some solid young talent, and I thought they were looking at playoff contention pretty soon. I'm a Flyers fan but I've always had a soft spot for the Coyotes. A shame to see them go.

[bparks_]

Man this is heartbreaking 😢. I feel so bad for the fans. I've got family in AZ who loved this team. I'm just a hockey casual myself with no real favorite team... But as a sports fan, nobody deserves this.

[slashrkd]

I cried around 6 times through that entire game been a coyote fan since 2008 and I haven’t missed a game since. Losing this team was like losing a family member. I hope in 2 years coyotes can get another chance fans deserve better!!!

[sct--tough]

Carolina fan here, seein the Yotes move away is such an unfortunate thing to happen. Even though the rumors began so few before that we'd loose them, kinda felt like no one wanted to accept the fact we lost another great hockey town.
From Carolina with love, good luck Yotes.