Alex Meruelo wrote to all Coyotes fans in the form of a letter on Tuesday where he made clear that he is committed to keeping professional hockey in the Valley.
Arizona Coyotes owner, Alex Meruelo, broke his silence on Tuesday writing a letter to hockey fans in the Valley, reassuring them about the team’s future.
Meruelo and the Coyotes were all set to build a sports and entertainment district in the city of Tempe before the plan was rejected in a special election vote on May 16.
While this was a huge punch to the gut, Meruelo knows that Tempe is not the only city that can host a professional hockey team in the Valley.
“The Tempe arena proposal was defeated, but we were not. We got right to work. On to other options in the Valley. On to the upcoming NHL season,” Meruelo wrote. “Were we disappointed by the vote in Tempe? Absolutely, but not defeated. I can’t ask our players to give it their all on the ice if I don’t do the same as the owner.”
Despite rumors swirling around about the Coyotes relocating out of Arizona, Meruelo made clear that is not the case whatsoever and he is committed to keeping the team in the Valley.
“We know this community IS a sports mecca. The biggest golf tournament in the world is here. Super Bowls. Final Fours. NASCAR Championships – they are all here. And we intend to keep our rapidly rising team here to keep a four-sport community,” Meruelo wrote. “That will take a permanent arena solution and my pledge to you, is that we will continue to devote whatever it takes to get us to another level, the ultimate level. More news to come very soon.”
Meruelo not only touched on the current arena situation but also the product the team plans to showcase on the ice. He is confident that the Coyotes are ready to take a huge step after what he believes was a successful offseason.
“We had a monster off season with the free agency signings of Matt Dumba, Jason Zucker, Alexander Kerfoot, Nick Bjugstad, Troy Stecher, the re-signings of Jack McBain, Matias Maccelli, Connor Ingram and trading for Sean Durzi,” Meruelo wrote. “Couple that with the signing of Logan Cooley, an electrifying player who will pull you out of your seat. A player who The Athletic recently touted as having one of the best odds to win Rookie of the Year. I hope you saw the all-world talent he has displayed this preseason.”
Over the course of time the Coyotes have been on the hunt for a new arena, Meruelo has been surprisingly absent from the conversation but felt now was a great time to speak up.
“We are on the eve of our 2023-2024 season,” Meruelo wrote. “I made the decision several years back to rebuild our team and secure a permanent home in the Valley. There was no other way for long-term success. We need to create something that is built to last. It requires patience, capital and determination, all resources that have served me well in business and in life. I often leave the talking to others. But now, as we enter an exciting and important phase for our franchise, I want you to hear directly from me.
“It’s our time now. With a ferocious young team. Outstanding management including President and CEO, Xavier A. Gutierrez and my son, Alex Meruelo, Jr. An organization-wide commitment to being a community leader and making an impact in the lives of others. And an owner who is resolute and committed to you and this Valley.”