New Coyotes owner senses renewed excitement over team

Sep 12, 2013, 9:47 PM | Updated: Sep 13, 2013, 3:18 am
LISTEN: Anthony LeBlanc, Coyotes President and CEO

No one knows for sure how much stable ownership will impact the Phoenix Coyotes on the ice.

However, off it, the difference is already noticeable, as the team’s media day Wednesday offered a glimpse into the transformation.

“There’s a vibe, there definitely is an excitement,” new Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc told Arizona Sports 620’s Bickley with Marotta Thursday when discussing what he’s seen from the likes of head coach Dave Tippett and general manager Don Maloney, as well as the players. “What I love is the fact that you have the face of the Coyotes, the veteran, the captain, Shane Doan, sitting front-row center with the biggest smile on his face [Wednesday] morning.”

LeBlanc’s group, IceArizona Acquisition Co. LLC, took over the franchise after it had spent the last four seasons under the NHL’s control. The shoe-string budget did not prevent the team from remaining competitive, but it likely held them back at times.

So for everyone involved, having people in charge who not only can spend money, but want to as well, is an exciting change of pace.

And with them has come no fear of a change in location, which is a welcome change from the past few years, for everyone inside the organization and the fans who cheer for the team.

“We are all in, that’s the only way to describe it,” LeBlanc said. “We have put a lot of capitol into this deal. We’re all in the process either of moving down here or have moved down here.

“We’re not going to be absentee owners.”

LeBlanc said he feels the Valley is taking notice of how involved the new owners have been from the moment they took over, as there has been an increase in season tickets, suites and sponsorship sales. It’s a far cry from how things used to be.

“The reality is, this is the first time in, really, probably a decade, that there’s been an ownership group thay this is all we’re focused on, and I think that’s starting to resonate,” he added.

Arizona Coyotes

Team Owner, Chairman and Governor Andrew Barroway of the Arizona Coyotes greets fan during a red ca...
Arizona Sports

NHL suspends Coyotes minority owner after arrest for strangulation charge

The NHL said it is aware of the arrest of Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway and has suspended him indefinitely.
1 day ago
EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 22: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against Nick Schmaltz...
Associated Press

Connor McDavid’s 60th goal gives Coyotes OT loss to Oilers

The Arizona Coyotes dropped their second loss in a road back-to-back after Connor McDavid scored his 60th goal of the year in overtime.
3 days ago
The spot light shines on Lawson Crouse #67 of the Arizona Coyotes after he scores a goal against th...
Associated Press

Coyotes’ 4-game winning streak ends after loss to Jets

The Arizona Coyotes had won six out of their last seven games and four straight before a loss to the Jets on Tuesday.
4 days ago
Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller celebrates with center Nick Schmaltz (8) after scoring a ...
Kevin Zimmerman

Fanatics to replace Adidas as NHL jersey provider in 2024-25

Fanatics is taking over as the NHL's jersey provider beginning in 2024-25. Adidas has made NHL jerseys since 2017.
4 days ago
Juuso Valimaki #4 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates with teammate Barrett Hayton #29 after scoring ...
Associated Press

Coyotes beat Blackhawks at home behind 3 goal 3rd period

Juuso Valimaki broke a tie with 3:12 left and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 on Saturday night.
7 days ago
(Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports)...
Austin Scott

Josh Doan says ‘it was hard’ to leave ASU to go pro with Coyotes

After two successful seasons at ASU, Josh Doan made the decision to go pro and start his journey with the Coyotes on Thursday.
7 days ago
New Coyotes owner senses renewed excitement over team