The Arizona Coyotes’ search for a new arena has been the number one topic of conversation amongst the national media regarding this team. It’s a developing story as the Coyotes continue to search for a permanent home in the Valley. Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet talked about his past memories in Arizona and voiced his opinion about the team’s current arena situation. “I’m really close to the training staff and organization, great people there,” Tocchet said. “I was there for four, I played four years as coach, I was there 2,3 years as a player, so for me a lot of friends still… There are so many people I have friendships with today, but you move on. For me this is a great time to see the people you spent a lot of time with. “Great place to play. Hopefully they get a building there because it’s a great place to play.” Tocchet played three seasons for the Coyotes from 1997-2000 where he served as the assistant captain. He had two stints coaching the Coyotes. The first came during the 2005-06 season when he was an assistant under the great Wayne Gretzky. The Ontario native returned to Arizona in 2018, becoming the head coach of the Coyotes. Tocchet served as coach from 2018-2021 before mutually agreeing to part ways with the organization. 240118 Morning Skate Tourigny It’s only been a couple of years since Tocchet was with the Coyotes, so he coached players currently on the team including Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz and Lawson Crouse who he gave high praise to. “You look at Schmaltz, you look at Clayton Keller, their growth, the way they play the game. There are so many distractions in that team, they way they have played the past couple of years and they are still in the playoff hunt. I think Clayton Keller, Schmaltz, Lawson Crouse, those are the guys that have held the forte there. “The guys that they have acquired too, Bjugstad, they are all having amazing years. That’s why they are a dangerous team…” Tocchet will play his former team tonight as the Coyotes take on the Canucks at 8 PM MT.
