It has been 10 years since the Coyotes hosted an April Whiteout at Gila River Arena; 10 years since the venue hosted a playoff game.
It would be nice to change the latter, but it may be time to change the former.
The Coyotes obviously won’t be participating in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but there is some symmetry to the fact that their final game at Gila River Arena before moving to ASU’s multi-purpose arena will come against the Nashville Predators. The Predators were the opponent for the Coyotes’ first game at Gila River Arena on Dec. 27, 2003, but they were also the last team that the Coyotes defeated in the standard playoffs (in 2012) in front of those white-clad fans, and the last team that the Coyotes defeated in any postseason format (the 2020 qualifying round).
I still remember the feeling in the arena when the Coyotes closed out the Predators, 2-1, in Game 6 of the 2012 Western Conference semifinals behind goals from Derek Morris, Martin Hanzal and 32 saves from Mike Smith. It was the best of times.
Look, everybody knew this break-up with Glendale had to come at some point. The relationship has been toxic for at least nine years, arguably longer. The only way to make NHL hockey work in Glendale is to field a consistent contender and that’s nearly impossible to do, given the economics of that market. A better location isn’t a cure-all but it’s one of the key ingredients to success.
The team’s long-term fate is still in limbo as it awaits a vote from the Tempe City Council on its proposed arena and entertainment district along the south bank of the Salt River, but the games in Glendale will end on Friday and the organization must vacate the premises by June 30, the end of the fiscal year which is also when its final payment to the City of Glendale is due.
A 19-year chapter in the franchise’s history will end. So why not go out in style? Sure, this relationship has been mostly dysfunctional, but we all had some good times together at GRA.
Brian Boucher’s shutout streak was insane to watch. Mike Smith’s goalie goal against the Red Wings was the rarest of treats, and so was Shane Doan’s first career hat trick against the Islanders.
Doan’s retirement ceremony left a giant lump in our throats. So did Leighton Accardo’s rise into the ring of honor.
The return of the playoff Whiteout in 2010 was electric and the run to the Western Conference Final in 2012 remains the best memory in this franchise’s history.
That all happened at Gila River Arena. So what do you think, Coyotes nation? Should we send the old, plumbing- and Wi-Fi-challenged barn out in style on Friday?
How about one more Whiteout to launch a new era of Coyotes hockey with some positive vibes? Maybe it won’t feel quite right without the playoffs or a sold-out building, but it’s the sentiment that counts, right?
11 Comments (6 conversations)
Robert
Exactly Craig
When I first walked into that arena, it was just on a whim to try a momentary escape from taking care of a wife nearing death from brain cancer.
I just needed to go somewhere. I was expecting something like a high school sports game with maybe chalk boards.
The most exciting thing I had ever been to before was the NCAA Cross Country Championship in Terre Haute Indiana every year.
It’s indescribable what I experienced walking into that arena. I watched all that Nashville series right there in 112.
I still have the white out shirts….
It’s a great tradition.
Bgguy626
The 2012 run will last in our memories. All those exciting overtime games vs the Blackhawks! What was freaky was I took my then girlfriend (now my wife) to several of the games and she hadn’t attended a hockey game previously. She became spoiled as the Yotes won every game she attended with me. Now if we can obtain that magic in the future, we will be an awesome team. For us living within 15 minutes of GRA, going all the way to Tempe will not be convenient. Yet, the memories and chants of “Let’s go Coy-otes!” will linger forever.
TConklin35
Are you me? I am walking distance from the arena now, but that 2012 run was when my now wife got into hockey. We got married that summer right after the WCF. Before we had a house and kids and responsibilities, we spent way too much money going to those playoff games. I can still feel the energy of that building for those games. That run, including game 5 of the WCF, are my favorite memories. I’ve never been in an arena that loud before or since.
John18
Yes!
joehillaintdead
Incredible memories from 2012. I went to every game except the last against the Kings – I think I knew what was coming and I couldn’t bear it.
This team has given me the best sports memories of my lifetime, and GRA was home to all but a couple of those memories (my first game; my first overtime happened at AWA).
I truly appreciate your dedication to the team and the fans – this sort of writing just doesn’t exist anywhere else.
Thank you.
See you there.
KarenMac3
Yes!!! And Party Bus tickets have been purchased – looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday. I’ll be in white!
Soltero52
Yes. Great minds think alike. Was telling my husband the same thing yesterday. I will wear the white Leighton jersey with crosses number , which his the best of this team on every note. My husband will wear a white Roadrunner jersey as a mod to half the team getting their call ups.
ChrisKay1
Was a Coyotes full season ticket holder for several seasons there, including the great Tippett teams. It is still a great arena for hockey and always has been, and Westgate is terrific as well. Just was put in the wrong location in the Valley from Day One. I live equidistant to both Gila River Arena and the proposed Tempe Arena location (and can get to both via city streets in less than 30 minutes to avoid all the freeway traffic), so the distance does not really matter to me. But I always had great experiences at Gila River Arena and will be sad to see it go