Remember when the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City and became an "expansion team?" That left a massive void for desert hockey, giving the Vegas Golden Knights a "golden" opportunity to poach some territory. That meant hockey clinics and watch parties in Phoenix and Scottsdale, which spread the footprint across the Grand Canyon.
Well, it seems that time might be coming to an end soon. Andrea Doan joins an advisory committee in Arizona in hopes of bringing an NHL team back to the Grand Canyon state. She's joining Chairman Thomas Galvin in an attempt to resurrect the sport in the Phoenix area.
It’s my honor to work w/ Andrea Doan as we work together to bring the @NHL back to AZ. It won’t be easy. But we have a plan to do it the right way. Andrea is the leader we need. I’m grateful for all the Doan family continues to do for The Valley. This is a great day in Arizona! https://t.co/bLhDx61X1f pic.twitter.com/1AAS0xCpgK
— Thomas Galvin: Chairman, Maricopa County BOS (@ThomasGalvin) September 22, 2025
Of course, it wouldn't be complete without Coyotes legend, Shane Doan. The Arizona legend scored 402 goals and 570 assists, capping off a legendary 21-year career that started in Winnipeg.
So, how does this affect the Golden Knights, you ask?
As mentioned, Bill Foley and company have made a conscious effort to grow the Golden Knights brand in Arizona. That included watch parties and youth hockey clinics, making the Golden Knights brand larger. It would eat at that growing effort and limit said effort to nab new territory.
However, winning is a good antidote for that. The Golden Knights already have a Stanley Cup to their name, along with two Stanley Cup Final appearances. As for Arizona? They never even had a Stanley Cup Final appearance to their names. What do you think will stand out among the hockey peeps in the Grand Canyon State?
That answer seems relatively simple. It's always going to be the winners that shine brightest.