Ice Den Scottsdale renames west rink ‘Shane Doan Rink’ after Coyotes star
Aug 11, 2018, 3:43 PM | Updated: Aug 12, 2018, 3:51 pm
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ice Den Scottsdale renamed its west rink the Shane Doan Rink on Sunday.
The name change honors Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, who retired prior to last season after 21 years with the team and becoming the franchise leader in goals, assists, points and games played.
“For one player to do what he did, there’s very few of those remaining players that spend an entire career with one organization,” said Mike O’Hearn, president of Coyotes Ice, LLC, which operates Ice Den.
The Coyotes and the Ice Den have close ties. The rink was opened in 1997 to serve as the practice facility for the Coyotes until it was sold in 2001, according to Ahwatukee Foothills News. In 2016, the two groups joined in a new partnership as Ice Den became the official practice facility for the team.
As the Ice Den celebrates its 20th anniversary, Doan is remembered as a fixture throughout its history.
“It’s almost become his second home,” O’Hearn said.
As part of the anniversary, much of the rink has been undergoing remodeling. A section was renamed and the logo at center ice will feature Doan’s name and number.
At the end of the ceremony, attendees were allowed to take the ice and “Skate With Shane.”
Ice Den announced the ceremony, which took place at 2 p.m. Sunday, was sold out. A live stream was available on Facebook.
Shane Doan Rink will serve as a nod not only to The Captain’s legacy as a Coyote, but with youth hockey in the area.
“There’s coaches that have emulated him. there’s players that have looked up to him,” O’Hearn said. “Here he is now, back in as part of the organization and part of the growth of youth hockey.”
KTAR News’ Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.
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