Josh Doan talked about his emotions with the Coyotes expected to relocate to Salt Lake City.
Josh Doan has lived with the Arizona Coyotes throughout his entire life.
His father Shane Doan served as captain of the Coyotes from 2003-2017, so Josh practically grew up in the Coyotes’ locker room.
With the news of the Coyotes’ probable relocation to Salt Lake City following the end of the season, it’s an emotional pill to swallow for Josh who grew up as a fan and now actually plays for the team.
“That’s probably the toughest part, leaving the fans,” Josh said. “Obviously what they have done for me and my family and how much they have supported the Coyotes over the years. It’s been hard, I’ve been there with them. It’s been a hard 20-25 years, not knowing where home is going to be. It’s one of those things where you want to send them off on the right note and get the win tonight for them.”
Josh used to be a diehard fan prior to being drafted by the Coyotes back in 2021, so he feels all of their pain as they go through this difficult time.
“I think it’s a thank you for everything they have done for us and obviously it’s something where people are upset and it’s going to hurt and it’s going to sting for a while,” Doan said. “That’s something as a player you want to feel apologetic, but for someone who was growing up in the Valley, growing up with it, you kind of feel the pain as well…
“For now the Coyotes are still Arizona’s team for one more day, so kind of just embrace it.”
Through his years playing for the Jr. Coyotes, Arizona State Sun Devils, Tucson Roadrunners and most recently the Coyotes, Josh has really etched his mark as not only Shane’s son, but a fantastic, up and coming hockey player who has a great future.
Despite the emotions of most likely moving from his hometown, Josh doesn't want to take anything away from the people of Salt Lake City.
“It’s something where it’s hard to move and a lot is going on, but at the end of the day, it’s something where we don’t want to take anything away from Salt lake City,” Doan said. “Obviously they have done nothing wrong, they are embracing us with open arms. It's hard moving from home, that is kind of the whole moral of the story right now…”
Maybe it wasn’t for too long, but it was truly special that Josh was able to play for the Coyotes through this last part of the season given all the history with his father.
No matter what happens, the Doan name will live on in Arizona sports history forever.