Coyotes celebrate 25th anniversary with jersey patches, center ice logo

The Arizona Coyotes are howling back to their original desert roots to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary in the Valley.

On Tuesday, the team released two special patches that will be worn this season and also revealed that the center ice at Gila River Arena will feature the original crescent moon logo from the inaugural year in the Phoenix area.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years in the Valley of the Sun,” said Coyotes owner, chairman and governor Alex Meruelo in a statement. “The Coyotes have a rich history in Arizona, and we are thrilled to honor our past this season and pay tribute to those players who provided our tremendous fans with so many great memories.”

The Coyotes will wear the Kachina patch in the 25 games they don the classic Kachina jerseys, while a Coyotes head patch that features the current logo and Arizona state flag will be attached on the standard red and white jerseys.

“The Arizona Coyotes are extremely proud to celebrate 25 years in the Copper State,” Coyotes president and CEO Xavier Gutierrez said in a statement. “Over the past 25 years, the Coyotes have helped change the sports landscape in Arizona by providing our fans with so many incredible moments on the ice, making a significant impact in our community, and growing the great game of hockey in our state.

“This season is about honoring and celebrating our proud history, and also rewarding our passionate fans for the incredible loyalty and support they have demonstrated over the past 25 years.”

The NHL franchise moved to Arizona from Winnipeg in 1996.