Upon their return to Arizona, the Coyotes participated in an emotional practice as the reality of relocation to Salt Lake City echoed across the Ice Den.
The Arizona Coyotes practiced at the Ice Den in Scottsdale on Tuesday in what could have been their final practice out here in the Valley.
It was a very emotional scene as the Coyotes hit the ice on Tuesday afternoon as it was the first time the team practiced at the Ice Den since all of the noise regarding the Coyotes’ probable relocation to Salt Lake City surfaced last week.
While it seemed to be like any ordinary practice by the drills the players were participating in, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
First off, there may have been more media at this practice than there has ever been all season which speaks to the volume of how important this afternoon truly was.
People off the ice observing practice were embracing each other as many personal connections have been made from people working with the Coyotes organization or covering the team.
There were smiles amongst everyone at the rink upon seeing great friends and colleagues, yet there was this uneasy feeling that it may be one of the final times everyone is together, which clearly showed through people’s emotions.
Despite all of what the players have been going through over the past week, they competed like it was just any other day and had fun with the practice, laughing with one another and soaking in every last moment.
It really brought out the personal side of the players and proved how close this group truly is. Many teams would crumble in a situation like this, but not this Coyotes team.
They stuck together while elevating their game to a high level over the course of their long five-game road trip.
Following the practice, coach André Tourigny spoke. His words were powerful and he even seemed to be holding back tears as he talked to the media.
“We want to play our last game with class, with respect and give the best effort that crowd can expect,” Tourigny said. “We want to make sure we are remembered as a group who fought with every last ounce we have in our body.”
Lawson Crouse opened up about what the Arizona Community as a whole means to him and really all Coyotes’ players.
“Arizona is home for me and the eight years I’ve been here, they’ve been great supporting us through the ups and downs,” Crouse said. “They mean so much to not only myself, but all of my teammates. Great to have them by your side.”
Everyone who is a part of the Coyotes community is tight knit. It’s not just a hockey team for many people, it’s actually a family and the emotions of that family just being ripped away was evident during Tuesday’s practice.