Category Archives: Pro
Matthews makes it official, signs deal with Maple Leafs
August 9th, 2016In an announcement that probably shocked no one, Auston Matthews signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in late July after being the first-overall pick by Toronto at the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24. The Scottsdale native, who turns 19 on Sept. 17, inked a three-year, entry-level contract and is already being touted as a…
New Coyotes COO Segal seeking big turnaround in ’16-17
August 6th, 2016While the American Hockey League (AHL) serves as a developmental league for the NHL, there was certainly nothing “minor league” about the San Diego Gulls in their inaugural AHL season in 2015-16. The Gulls, under the leadership of president of business operations Ari Segal, finished their first season with the second best attendance average of…
NHL dreams one step closer after Ottawa selects Burgess
August 3rd, 2016Todd Burgess admitted he had pre-NHL Draft conversations with several NHL teams, but wasn’t sure what would come of it once the draft commenced June 24-25 in Buffalo, N.Y. Ranked No. 185 in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, the 20-year-old Phoenix native didn’t attend the draft at the First Niagara Center, but was selected none…
Top picks Keller, Chychrun highlight Coyotes’ draft haul
August 1st, 2016Clayton Keller went into the NHL Draft ranked No. 9 by NHL Central Scouting. When the Arizona Coyotes stepped to the podium June 24 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y., they grabbed the U.S. National Team Development Program forward with the seventh overall pick. Where Keller plays next season may be a tug…
Tucson’s new AHL team coined ‘Roadrunners’ in fan vote
July 26th, 2016Even though the Tucson Roadrunners will be new to the American Hockey League (AHL) and to the city this fall, the team’s nickname comes with a near 50-year tradition in the state. The Roadrunners will play at the Tucson Convention Center, the site where the name and logo were revealed by Arizona Coyotes president and…
Scottsdale native Matthews drafted first overall by Maple Leafs
June 28th, 2016As expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Scottsdale native Auston Matthews with the top overall pick Friday night at the NHL Draft in Buffalo. Matthews, a former Arizona Bobcats standout, was all smiles at the First Niagara Center. “Well, I know everybody (in Toronto) is extremely passionate,” Matthews said. “They obviously love the Leafs. It’s…
Matthews culminates years of hype, goes No. 1 overall in NHL Draft
June 25th, 2016The fact that eight TV cameras were in Toronto on July 4 to cover Auston Matthews should tell you something about the 18-year-old from Scottsdale. Add to the event that is was simply Toronto Maple Leafs prospects running drills (Matthews did four) and it’s clear Matthews is being groomed as a top NHL player, maybe…
Maple Leafs hold No. 1 pick – Matthews Toronto-bound?
June 20th, 2016For the past couple years, it’s pretty much been a forgone conclusion that Auston Matthews would be the top overall pick at the 2016 NHL Draft. Now that the draft is coming up this weekend in Buffalo, N.Y., all the focus has been on what team would wind up with the No. 1 pick to…
Tucson’s new AHL franchise a win-win for pro, youth hockey
June 10th, 2016Tucson youth hockey parents and players are excited about professional hockey returning to the Old Pueblo. In April, the Arizona Coyotes purchased the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Springfield (Mass.) Falcons with the intent of moving their top affiliate to Tucson. As the move cleared hurdle after hurdle, Ryan DeJoe, coaching director for the Tucson Youth…
Just 26, Coyotes’ Chayka the youngest GM in NHL history
June 2nd, 2016After the Arizona Coyotes relieved Don Maloney of his general manager duties in April, all eyes were squarely focused on who his replacement would be. The Coyotes stayed in house and on May 5, tabbed 26-year-old John Chayka to lead the rebuilding process in the desert. He turns 27 on June 9. With the hire,…