ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes owner George Gosbee says ‘five-year out clause frustrating’

Aug 6, 2013, 3:15 AM | Updated: 3:15 am

Follow @AZSports...

The NHL officially approved the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to the IceArizona ownership group headed by Anthony LeBlanc and George Gosbee on Monday, ending an over four-year saga of playing without an owner.

The key to the deal was a 15-year lease contract to run Jobing.com Arena with the City of Glendale, which was agreed upon in July.

However, there is a down side to the deal and that is the five-year out clause that would give IceArizona the option to relocate the Coyotes in the event the team is still losing money.

One of the investors of the IceArizona group, George Gosbee, went on the Dan Bickley with Vince Marotta Show Monday to discuss the out clause.

“That five-year clause is frustrating now,” Gosbee said. “Over time people will realize we are here to stay.

“Our business plan did not factor in relocation, our focus is to build a successful franchise in Glendale. We are financial investors and have to protect ourselves, but we think it’s highly unlikely based on our business plan.”

The Coyotes have already started a “Here to Stay” marketing approach, as well as announced a future change of the team’s name to the Arizona Coyotes.

“Our focus going forward is to market a “Here to Stay” campaign,” Gosbee stated. “We are not going anywhere and came into this with the goal of building a winning organization.”

On the ice, the Coyotes have given new contracts to general manager Don Maloney, head coach Dave Tippett and goalie Mike Smith, which should give IceArizona a good team on the ice that can help draw fans to the arena.

Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes F Logan Cooley...

Associated Press

Logan Cooley nabs 1st career hat trick as Coyotes end Predators’ points streak

Logan Cooley had his first NHL hat trick and the Arizona Coyotes snapped the Nashville Predators’ point streak.

7 hours ago

Matias Maccelli #63 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during an NHL game at Mullett Arena...

Associated Press

Josh Doan nets twice in NHL debut, Coyotes score 4 goals in 3rd and beat Blue Jackets

Josh Doan had two goals including the go-ahead score in his first NHL game and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2.

2 days ago

ASU hockey player Josh Doan and father Shane Doan wave to fans before the ceremonial first puck to ...

David Veenstra

Arizona Coyotes forward Josh Doan scores twice in NHL debut

Coyotes forward Josh Doan scored twice in his NHL debut on Tuesday. Doan had goals in the second and third period against Columbus. 

2 days ago

Josh Doan...

Damon Allred

Arizona Coyotes recall forward Josh Doan from Tucson Roadrunners

The Arizona Coyotes recalled former second-round pick Josh Doan, son of former captain Shane Doan, from the Tucson Roadrunners.

4 days ago

Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck while being defended by Alex Kerfoot #15...

Associated Press

Arizona Coyotes fall to Dallas Stars for 2nd time in last 3 games

Miro Heiskanen broke a tie with 5:28 left and the Stars won their fourth consecutive game, beating the Coyotes on Sunday night.

4 days ago

Dylan Guenther...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ Dylan Guenther scores overtime game-winner vs. Kraken

Dylan Guenther scored in overtime to give the Arizona Coyotes a win over Seattle on Friday night.

6 days ago

Coyotes owner George Gosbee says ‘five-year out clause frustrating’