The Phoenix Coyotes history reflects a key chapter in the NHL’s growth in the Southwest. Formerly the Winnipeg Jets, the team relocated to Arizona in 1996 and became a cornerstone of Phoenix Coyotes hockey. This period saw passionate fans, intense rivalries, and memorable playoff runs that shaped the franchise’s identity before its rebrand as the Arizona Coyotes.
Established
1972
City
Winnipeg – Phoenix - Salt Lake City
League History
1979 – Present / National Hockey League
1972 – 1979 / World Hockey Association
Team History
2025 - Present / Utah Mammoth
2024 - 2025 / Utah Hockey Club
2014 – 2024 / Arizona Coyotes
1996 – 2013 / Phoenix Coyotes
1972 – 1996 / Winnipeg Jets
Nickname
Coyotes – The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. The team is part of the National Hockey League (NHL) and has been since its inception in 1996. While the franchise has undergone several name changes over its history, its current moniker—the Coyotes—has become an iconic symbol of the city and is beloved by fans everywhere. But where did this unique nickname come from?
Phoenix Coyotes Origin
It all began when former owner Jerry Colangelo relocated his NHL franchise from Winnipeg to Phoenix in 1996. At first, they were known as "Arizona Coyotes," but that didn't quite have a ring. Hence, he decided to change their name once again after consulting with local Native American tribes about potential ideas for nicknames that would reflect Arizona’s heritage, identity, and desert landscape. After much deliberation, Colangelo chose “Coyotes” because coyotes are native animals found throughout Arizona that also represent strength and resilience – two traits shared by many athletes on ice!
In addition to being inspired by nature, another factor was at play when choosing this mascot: marketing appeal! By going with “Coyotes” instead of something more generic like “Desert Dogs" or "Dune Cats," Colangelo knew he could create an instantly recognizable logo design featuring a snarling coyote head wearing sunglasses - something that would be sure stand out among other teams' logos across sports leagues around North America (and beyond). And indeed it did; today, you can find merchandise featuring those same classic designs sold far outside of just Phoenix or even just hockey fan circles - proving his decision's success back then!
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
Avco Cup 0
1979, 1978, 1976
Arena
2024 - Present / Delta Center
*Phoenix*
2014 – Present / Gila River Arena
2006 – 2014 / Jobing.com Arena
2003 – 2005 / Glendale Arena
1996 – 2003 / America West Arena
*Winnipeg*
1972 – 1996 / Winnipeg Arena
Owner
2024 - Present / Ryan Smith
2019 - 2024 / Alex Meruelo
2013 – 2019 / IceArizona
2009 – 2013 / National Hockey League
2006 – 2009 / Wayne Gretzky and Jerry Moyes
2001 – 2006 / Steve Ellman, Wayne Gretzky, and Jerry Moyes
1998 – 2001 / Richard Burke
1996 – 1998 / Steven Gluckstern and Richard Burke
1979 – 1996 / Barry Shenkarow
1972 – 1979 / Ben Hatskin
- 1996
- 2003
- 2009
-
New Coyotes in Phoenix
Various schemes were devised to save the team. Attempts to find a local buyer were unsuccessful, with league commissioner Gary Bettman saying, “there doesn’t seem to be anybody, in a serious fashion, who wants to own the franchise.” After a final last effort by a team of local businessmen, dubbed the Spirit of Manitoba, fell through, team owner Barry Shenkarow ... -
Glendale Arena Opens
In 2003, the team opened Glendale Arena, now known as Jobing.com Arena, and moved there in 2003. Ellman put forward numerous proposals to improve the hockey sightlines in America West Arena in hopes of boosting capacity back over the 17,000 marks. However, neither of these got beyond the planning stages, leading Ellman to commit to building a new arena. Simultaneously, ... -
Struggles and Bankruptcy
In December 2008, the media became aware that the Coyotes were suffering massive losses, and the NHL was paying the team’s bills. The media reports were minimized by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and vice-president Bill Daly. However, Moyes had secretly given operational control of the team to the league. In May 2009, Moyes put the team into bankruptcy hours before ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Phoenix Coyotes History
The Phoenix Coyotes history began when the original Winnipeg Jets relocated to Arizona in 1996 due to financial difficulties. The team was renamed the Phoenix Coyotes and played its home games in Phoenix before moving to Glendale’s Gila River Arena in 2003. This era of Phoenix Coyotes hockey marked the NHL’s major push into the American Southwest and introduced the league to a passionate new fan base.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Phoenix Coyotes hockey roster featured stars like Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who helped the team achieve multiple playoff appearances. Captain Shane Doan, the face of the franchise from 1995 to 2017, became one of the most respected leaders in NHL history and symbolized the stability of the organization during periods of change.
The most memorable moment in Phoenix Coyotes history came during the 2011–12 season, when the team captured its first-ever Pacific Division title and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators before falling to the Los Angeles Kings. This playoff run remains one of the proudest achievements in Phoenix Coyotes hockey, cementing the club’s reputation as a competitive force despite ownership instability.
Coyotes Achievements
Over the years, the Phoenix Coyotes history has also included key contributions from standout players such as Teppo Numminen, Radim Vrbata, and Mike Smith. Their performances helped the franchise establish its own identity separate from its Winnipeg roots and grow the game of Phoenix Coyotes hockey in Arizona.
Today, even after rebranding as the Arizona Coyotes, the legacy of the Phoenix Coyotes hockey era continues to inspire fans. The franchise remains determined to build another competitive roster around young stars like Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley, aiming to return to playoff contention and create new milestones in Phoenix Coyotes history for future generations.
Sports Fan Products
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Retired Number
19 / Shane Doan
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history
