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Arizona Coyotes: #OneYearGone
One year ago today, the Arizona Coyotes took the ice for the last time.
It wasn't "officially official" until the next day. But everyone knew it was happening. The fuse was lit. The Coyotes were leaving Arizona. Critics quipped. Haters rejoiced.
Meanwhile, a close-knit community grieved.
The fans in the desert and beyond had gone through a whole lot of crap in 28 years. And yet they remained loyal to the pack. The "us against the world" mentality was endearing and infectious. "Us" had scratched and clawed since 1996. But in 2024, "the world" delivered a knockout blow.
So, on April 17, 2024, about 4,600 Yotes faithful packed into Mullett Arena to see their favorite hockey team play just once more. The White Out crowd witnessed the Coyotes win 5-2 against the soon-to-be Western Conference champions, the Edmonton Oilers. And after that final horn sounded and "Howlin' for You" played, the fans shared tears, hugs, photos, and goodbyes.
For many, their lives have not been the same since.
All day today, I am sharing stories from those people. From you. I'm sharing what this franchise meant to you, what was taken away from you, and how your lives have changed. I hope my doing this will unite the fans who've been separated from their team and from each other. And I hope that it will show the outsiders that yes, we're still here.
And of course, that hockey belongs in the desert.
P.S. If you'd like to share your Coyotes memories, I encourage you to do so with the hashtag #OneYearGone
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