Coyotes praise ice conditions at Mullett Arena, not worried about temporary facilities

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetOctober 27, 2022 - 6:47pm

Members of the Arizona State University hockey team skate on the ice at the new Mullett Arena. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

For the first time, the Arizona Coyotes got a chance to take the ice at Mullett Arena a day before they host the Winnipeg Jets in their home opener.

Players expressed their excitement with their new home saying the ice surface is one of the best they have played on and should allow for a more fast-paced style of game.

"The ice was fantastic today."

Lawson Crouse said the Coyotes had a great practice today and that he's looking forward to Friday night's home opener. pic.twitter.com/w0KV217THM

— PHNX Coyotes (@PHNX_Coyotes) October 27, 2022

"The boards are really fast and the corners are not square, so the puck will rim really fast, the game will be extremely fast," head coach Andre Tourigny told reporters.

The Coyotes are set to play at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena, which will seat between 4,800-5,000 fans, through the 2024-25 season, with an option to remain in the 2025-26 season. Previously, the Coyotes played at a 17,125-seat facility until their relationship soured with arena operators in Glendale.

Coyotes president Xavier Gutierrez told reporters that the team will set aside between 200-400 tickets for Arizona State students at a discounted price of $25 (ESPN reports the average ticket price is $170). Students will sit in a designated section where there is expected to be a drumline to help provide a college-like atmosphere.

Coyotes president Xavier Gutierrez says there will be 200-400 tickets set aside for Arizona State students, priced at $25. They'll sit in the usual student section. There also will be a drumline, adding to the collegiate atmosphere.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) October 27, 2022

For the first four games of the season, the visiting team will be using a temporary dressing room and training space with construction still going on in the arena.

Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong made it clear the organization is prepared to offer whatever support is needed to make the situation work in the short term.

"If there is a problem with the facility, we want to make we are there for you, how can we fix it?" Armstrong said when asked about potential problems with the temporary facilities. "So far we've had some really good feedback. The NHL has been involved, the (NHLPA) has been involved so we have gotten some really good feedback on the temporary dressing rooms for the opposing clubs."

Gutierrez says Tempe City Council will vote on a proposed new Tempe arena and entertainment district on Nov. 29, according to Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports.

Coyotes President & CEO Xavier Gutierrez says the Tempe City Council will vote Nov.29 on the proposed Tempe arena and entertainment district.
Per sources that vote could actually come even sooner.

— Craig Morgan: "Shockingly personable" (@CraigSMorgan) October 27, 2022

Tempe city council previously voted 5-2 on June 3 in favour of opening negotiations over a proposal for a new home for the NHL team.

COMMENTS

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.