Arizona Hockey fans getting POACHED by Vegas Golden Knights?

[@brodiebrazil]

*Some other videos you might like:* Tropicana Field roof damaged BEFORE Hurricane Milton? 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoragZaaZdOCm5Y Future Super Bowl OUTSIDE the United States? 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZfWm3msjd9-oas Here are my answers... 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2XWnZ2AeLxprcU 49ers vs. Chiefs: TOO interesting for San Francisco? 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ-8o4OjlraXj7c White Sox discussing SALE to Dave Stewart (Report) 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2SXfKCmj9Zqj9k BIG PROBLEM: Tropicana Field NOT Ready For Rays in 2025 (Report) 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5Cxn6uKl7mZpsU (Actual) Rays SAVED from Tropicana Field hurricane damage 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmWUeoF3mbt2ftE I gave a speech to my High School... 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmTSfZiEd5iDgZo America's most unique Football team (Barrow, Alaska) 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3nJaZWOoLh0a6M Tom Brady APPROVED to own Las Vegas Raiders (Report) 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKK8dHqFaMypm5I Coliseum Groundskeeper Clay Wood [Let's Go Oakland E01] 📺 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5arinejoq2pkM0

[@that1dbacksfan354]

As a Coyotes fan (and now an LA Kings fan) I can guarantee that nobody in Arizona would ever support Utah

[@Noisemaze1]

How can they poach Coyotes fans when they were saying that Coyotes fans don't exist for years?

[@CJbrinkman602]

It’s almost like they do

[@dhyde2025]

What you talking about? There are tens and tens of them up for grabs /S

[@scawfan75]

Ya it's like those Canadian talking points were fake news...

[@stevenfernando9490]

Exactly. All these teams fanbases said all sorts of nasty stuff about us Yotes fans… now they wanna try and attract us to their teams? I’m good

[@DANZIG138]

there is about 5-8000 of them. Essentially 0

[@bradrutherford1000]

Brodie, big fan of your YT since I found you a couple of years ago. I coach 8u and 10u in Tucson, and my 10u team had a game in Gilbert on Saturday, and when we parked at the rink, we saw the Golden Knights van.. When we got in the rink, they had a promo team with DJ and Chance the mascot running around with a huge clinic. My boys have always loved mascots, so they got pics with Chance, and the promo team gave my kids a complete knee hockey set of the Golden Knights. It was weird but welcomed. So many of us miss NHL hockey here. Fortunately, here in Tucson, we have our Roadrunners, and they just signed another 4 year deal at our convention center. Thanks for your awesome reporting, man! BTW, my 6 year old goes by Brodie, too! Full name is Brodrick..

[@joedaz3324]

I play adult hockey in the valley. Like many here I grew up outside the state and support a different team, but of the Coyotes fans I know through my league, NONE of them are supporting Utah. In fact, most of them aren't really ready to jump in and support another team just yet

[@jsmusicanddrums]

This is me as well

[@BrianH16]

I am now a Kings fan

[@jsmusicanddrums]

@BrianH16 i actually grew up in San Diego as a kings fan. After the yotes lost to them in the western finals I can never go back. I will always hate doughty brown and quick for life.

[@PhillyB322]

Go Knights Go :(

[@joelvinson]

Living in AZ, I've seen UTAH hockey billboards popping up on the freeways. That's cold-blooded. While I enjoyed going to 'Yotes games, it was always an interesting vibe. Almost all Coyotes fans came to AZ from somewhere else, and were still fans of their hometown team. I always made it to Sharks games, and there'd be a swarm of new bay area friends to meet. Chicago or Detroit comes to town? Hoo boy. And Canadian snowbirds in the winter? SO MUCH FRENCH on the concourse. The Phoenix television market is exploding, especially with the mass exodus from California. I feel really bad for the youth hockey kids out here, but the ASU Sun Devils have exploded out here. It's really neat to see college hockey...in the desert. Maybe Brodie can sneak down and check in on SJSU hockey for us...for old time's sake!

[@jimlittle5769]

That IS cold, but I doubt Ryan Smith is responsible for those.

[@lorenzoonsports247]

Did you check out Sun Devil hockey games in Tempe years before they were an NCAA program?

[@joelvinson]

@@lorenzoonsports247 Of course! I loved going to Oceanside ( best name for an arena ever, because it was next to a water park in the middle of the desert).

[@jaimer256]

One thing I hate about the TV rights for VGK and Utah being in the Phoenix market is the blackouts on ESPN+

[@KaileyCyrus]

And add Colorado now.

[@aramondehasashi3324]

look up NHL66

[@loC2ol]

4:27 Avid watcher and Always appreciate your work Brodie. But your slight anti-Vegas bias is showing a bit here. Vegas has the rights to the Arizona market. I personally don’t think it’s “too aggressive” for them to throw a watch party and put on hockey clinics to try and help grow the sport we all love in a market of 5,000,000+ people that no longer have a professional team

[@TechnoZen36]

PS, Vegas was never the enemy. Los Angeles Teams, 100%

[@veteranfox4572]

I went to the VGK home opener drove from Tucson Az against the Ave's Vegas Golden Knights staff were extremely welcoming they took very good care of me when they did not have too. I will be a VGK fan for life

[@loC2ol]

We welcome you brother! Go Knights Go!

[@NHLCrazy2007]

This is the big challenge for Arizona if they get an NHL team again to call their own. Former Coyotes fans switching to the Golden Knights permanently means less fans to root for the Arizona team.

[@veteranfox4572]

@NHLCrazy2007 true but at least the VGK are doing something to keep youth hockey alive in the state

[@veteranfox4572]

@@NHLCrazy2007 I truly hope AZ gets a team again

[@molnya2]

@@NHLCrazy2007 I was a season ticket holder for the Coyotes for a few years. Believe me, we never had a home game in Phoenix/Glendale. Always outnumbered by visiting teams fans.

[@michaelmannion1405]

Arizona 61 is advertising both Utah and Vegas games on their website

[@meddyven]

I wonder why the NHL allows that? Who's territory does it fall under?

[@michaelmannion1405]

@meddyven it falls under the Vegas Golden knights now. Utah used to fall under the Golden Knights so when the franchise moved to Utah they just swapped the markets and the Phoenix market now belongs to the Golden knights. I think we get some UHC games here because of the affiliation with the roadrunners in Tucson.

[@jonathanwoods3136]

As a coyotes fan, I had to pick up an eastern team as my choice of a new favorite team. I absolutely couldn’t stand to pick a western team. In reality I’m paying more attention to my university’s hockey club that’s not even NCAA sanctioned.

[@edalder2000]

Fair. I am a 35-year Capitals fan. We have Ovechkin and cookies. /s

[@daverichards9141]

Mighty Ducks. The quack attack is back jack!

[@DIMP11]

@daverichards9141 and that’s a fact mack

[@lukeguastaferro7962]

Also, what happened with Coyotes is just like what happened to the Charlotte Hornets/New Orleans Pelicans in 2002 and the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens in the mid 1990s, also the San Jose Earthquakes/Houston Dynamo in 2010 and arguably Old Baltimore Orioles-Yankees in the 1900s

[@dcfog81]

From the beginning, VGK stated they wanted to market into IE and as far north as UT, ID, and WY. Now that Utah HC exists, they can't go as far north, so I'm not surprised they're going south. Also, Tucson remains Utah's AHL affiliate, so there's still a connection there.

[@wej4life]

VGK has played preseason games in SLC, that's always been in their plans prior to this season. I hope they do it moving forward in Arizona.

[@geoff3103]

IE? Inland Empire?

[@dcfog81]

@@geoff3103 yup

[@dsarmy1]

Good points!

[@dsarmy1]

@@geoff3103 I am from the SLC area. I have seen people wear merchandise of both over the years but not a lot. Even some Colorado but the Utah Grizzlies are an affiliate of them. Nothing from those 3 teams has ever been on the level of the VGK. Since they have been around I have seen all kinds of merch on people and cars. That was until this year when Utah found out about AZ moving here. Now there are fans that have come out of the woodworks like two of my coworkers that I heard talking about the game tonight.

[@tofutuesday]

As a Phoneix resident and VGK fan fron DAY ONE, I love this. I went to the watch party Saturday in Gilbert. Not a huge crowd, but so fun to hang with VGK fans locally and get pics with Chance! Also, Scripps is showing BOTH VGK and Utah games in Phoenix. 55 games each, I think! GO KNIGHTS GO!

[@loC2ol]

Go Knights Go! Hope you can make it up to The Fortress for a game at some point the atmosphere here is unbeatable! Which I imagine you already know if you have before!

[@tofutuesday]

@@loC2ol yes I've been to many games there! Always a blast. I finally got to experience my first playoff game last season, too. I've been a hockey fan since the 90s and have been to games other places but nothing beats The Fortress! My next planned game is in Dec against the Oilers.

[@alexe1707]

Vegas has been broadcasting on 61. This is the 1st I'm hearing about Utah in AZ

[@brodiebrazil]

Interesting! Yeah I just realized Vegas was broadcasting their games in AZ too. Makes my points even more straightforward.

[@TheOnlyUtahHockeyClubFaN]

Utah hockey club and Vegas golden knights are channel 61. A game each night. I'm a Yotes who became a fan of Utah

[@hippielongshanks]

I don't have cable, but my rooftop antenna here in Phoenix gets Vegas and Utah games on 15.2 and 61.1.

[@alexe1707]

@@hippielongshanks what I miss about NJ. On a good week I could get 5 or 6 NFL games without Sunday ticket

[@NHLCrazy2007]

Both the Golden Knights AND Utah Hockey Club have games on Arizona 61. You can find the schedules on their web site. @BrodieBrazil

[@singlespeedmtb7147]

Vegas did just get broadcast rights to Phoenix as well. Salt Lake was originally in their territory. Utah and Vegas are both on Arizona 61. It’s cool to see Vegas actually doing something for the youth hockey community here.

[@TXKombi1983]

Yup. I started following the Golden Knights when they picked up Aiden Hill. I was able to see him start in Tucson with the Roadrunners and now I cheer and follow the Golden Knights.

[@meddyven]

Brodie, I had not heard about the Golden Knights or other prospective teams working their way into the Phoenix market. I can see Utah broadcasting games down there, with the natural connection to the players, coaches, etc. You bring up a valid scenario, of close regional teams, working to expand their base. This is a topic worth watching, and see how the fandom plays out. Do the staunch Coyotes fans, remain loyal, or do they pickup following another one to pass the time until a new Desert Dogs team reappears. Another well done video. Look forward to the next offerings!

[@TechnoZen36]

I actually attended Gilbert's VGK event, it was awesome. I appreciate their team continuing to grow the game. But to be fair I identified the VGK as my backup team since their inauguration in 2017. The writing was on the wall so I've paid attention to them since and jumped on board full speed. I have ZERO interest in following the Utah Hockey Club

[@wej4life]

I feel for the legacy Coyotes fans. Selfishly as a transplant Las Vegas resident who grew up a hardcore NYR fan from the tri-state, I would prefer to see more VGK fans created/converted/etc in the valley and yes I understand and respect this is an aggressive play and early by VGK. I also appreciate how aggressive and forward thinking the VGK franchise has been since inception. We don't have the legacy that even the Coyotes had, VGK has to do what it can and should to continue to build more generational and widespread support - we're way behind even a lot of other former expansion teams. Jump on, we got space for fans and haters alike in Vegas. And I'll respect and understand when you jump off again in however many years when NHL with local ownership & government gets their stuff together and starts again. You guys do deserve your own major hockey franchise regardless of what a lot of misinformed people may think.

[@robbyg.7648]

You feel for Coyotes fans in Arizona; at the same time, the people of Utah have really taken to their team and validated the want for NHL hockey in their state. In another entirely different matter, Osh the elephant has made the long journey from the Oakland Zoo to the elephant refuge in Tennessee, and acclimating nicely to his new forever home. You can find video online of Osh at his new home in Tennessee. 🐘

[@alexe1707]

NHL broadcasting territory makes no sense. The NJ Devils have a good chunk upstate New York and Long Island, but not 45 minutes south of Newark. While teams like Arizona, got the entire state when they were there. I think this also applies to the NFL as well, I think the part of Arizona that's 25 mi from the Vegas strip is considered Cardinals market territory and not raiders market territory.

[@Mcparoridiesrecords]

That's cause in south jersey, people are deep philly fans. Even though it may only be 45 minutes south of newark, it's 45 minutes away from philly.

[@geoff3103]

when it comes to NHL TV operations they are still in the 1950s, if not the 1940s.

[@ELcinegatto87]

South Jersey is Philly bedroom community. NJ is divided and half around Trenton and for the east coast shoreline the NYC market goes down to about Tom's River, anything below is Philly as well.

[@alexe1707]

My point was how certain state teams get the entire state while others don't

[@NHLCrazy2007]

Um, the Devils are part of the NYC TV market, so by default, yes Long Island fans can see Devils games there. And they share parts of the eastern half of upstate with the Rangers AND Islanders because of MSG Networks' broadcast reach via cable providers. That's why. And as another commentor said, southern New Jersey is part of the Philadelphia TV market, so that's Flyers territory for where games are shown.

[@JPS47]

Buffalo Bills pretty much did this to Cleveland through 1996-99 when the Browns was left dormant.

[@great-one0389]

What about the Steelers?

[@morgannield5996]

@@great-one0389would be a waste of advertising dollars. There’s no way a team from the same division would be able to tempt fans into supporting them

[@great-one0389]

@@morgannield5996 The Steelers are the backup market on cable tho in northeast Ohio and they have been

[@perronechris98]

Technically utah still has a connection to arizona through their ahl team in tuscan. It makes perfect sense for them to still want to broadcast games in the valley.

[@BoulderCityBlues]

The NHL should have a VGK vs Utah Hockey Club game in Phoenix. It would give a shot to show the NHL that Phoenix is a hockey town . Would also give both the VGK and Utah to reach new fans ..

[@veteranfox4572]

They could call it the battle for Az

[@craversaints921]

That's probably gonna happen Bettman ain't letting Arizona Market Go

[@alvizothegreat8096]

Living in Phoenix now from Chicago, The Blackhawks are always my number 1, but the Coyotes has been my number 2, now since there gone its hard for me to follow Utah and Vegas, since i have connection to Los Angeles i adopted the Kings has my number 2, even though i do see some Utah and Vegas games on Arizona 61 because i love hockey and I'm a hockey fan

[@jamesjohnston1935]

Im a Las Vegas resident and there are many things that people dont understand about this region. The first is that due to our history we still have a very transient mindset. Also with the rising costs of many things in the city, many people have relocated to cheaper areas. The third is that the resort town of Mesquite is almost on the AZ/NV line. Due to all this I dont see it as poaching a fandom, more of a blending. Honestly as a Hockey fan Vegas is a tough market to live in. ESPN+ caries a few of the games, TNT carries a few of them, and you need basic cable to access most of the home games. Locals are priced out of attending the games, thank goodness for local bars where we can see them (if you can afford it).

[@wej4life]

VGK broadcasts on ch 34 for free for most of their schedule. Everything else is no different than the challenges every other hockey market faces. Knightime+ is available too but yes at a cost and bugs need to be worked out with that app. If ch 34 is inconsistently available in certain parts of southern NV, then yeah it's tough and you'll be paying one way or the other to watch games locally.

[@derekashworth5884]

I grew up in Las Vegas and also lived in Tempe for a year and a half. If there's one thing the two markets have in common is a mutual hatred of southern California. I think former Coyotes fans adopting the VGK is a natural connection.

[@loC2ol]

@@derekashworth5884this is so true

[@bearfedway]

A historical perspective: When the Giants and Dodgers moved from CA, the NYC area had no National League team. According to a NY Times article (Dec. 6, 1958), two NY-area TV stations aired the Phillies, Cardinals, and Pirates, which lasted just one season (1958). A bit more recent history, the NBA Portland Trail Blazers were on ROOT Sports this past season, which aired in the Seattle market. So, it's not unprecedented for a "close-by" franchise to promote and broadcast games to another TV market.

[@vegaserik44]

VGK run clinics all over their tv territory every summer, even up to Montana. I wouldn't read too much into this. Why not welcome new fans?

[@JaredHargrave]

I wonder if the Utah Hockey Club is the one purchasing those billboards? I think it's more likely the local TV station is behind that campaign.

[@TylerCraig77]

Vegas already has tv rights in Phoenix. In fact they are airing more games than Utah in this market this year.

[@Skeet284]

Same as when the Thrashers went defunct. Bally South(Well FSN South at the time):was allowed to send other teams they have the rights to into Georgia. So Nashville and Carolina are able to send there games into Georgia to this day. I am in Florida where the Teams don't play as nice lol.

[@bartphlegar8212]

I guess I'm stating the obvious when I say that Arizona was already poached when the team was still there. Phoenix is one of those places where everybody is from "somewhere else". Just like Las Vegas. Angelenos have always brought their allegiances to LA teams (Dodgers, Lakers, Kings). Same with Bay Area transplants. Every major American city is a donor of residents to Arizona, so Blackhawks, Rangers, Red Wings and Stars jerseys have always been common - not to mention Canadian jerseys with the snowbirds. That was one of the complaints about the Coyotes franchise that away fans often outnumbered the locals...That said, that was a problem with the Coyotes franchise - not the market. They never gave Arizonans a product to really get behind emotionally. It was always some kind of annoyinig drama and mediocrity. The northwest corner of Arizona (along the river, Lake Havasu and north to Laughlin) is probably more of a VGK territory anyway as there are many more economic and cultural ties to Sin City than PHX. The real damage to Arizona hockey will come when they rake the Roadrunners out of Tucson, and move them to Reno. That will leave Arizona as a huge doughnut hole in hockey...

[@kirkdooley8190]

There are more people from Chicago living in Phoenix, than there are people from Chicago living in CHICAGO. ;)

[@NeilJoshi-o4q]

Love your content Brodie, keep it up! My only suggestion is that when you talk sports especially from the major 4 leagues you should also include Canadian teams. In this scenario for the Coyotes, you could mention how teams like the Leafs could have an impact especially since big players are from AZ but also a big Canadian presence in the US

[@geoff3103]

Best way to build a presence in non-NHL cities is to play a couple pre-season games there. Vegas, SLC, LA, and Anaheim ALL should do this. But the NHL are fools to ignore those big markets they aren't in.

[@jacklogansmith7646]

VGK absolutely has, mainly (prior to this year) in Salt Lake City.

[@geoff3103]

@@jacklogansmith7646 they should definitely move a couple of their preseason games to Phoenix now.

[@hankstiffler]

Didn't the NHL make Vegas surrender the Utah market in exchange for PHX?

[@metalgearyoshi3864]

Was at the watch party. Call me poached. Go knights go!

[@admirals818]

Arizona's remaining pro hockey team, the Roadrunners, are still affiliated with the Hockey Clubs. I think that connection makes Southern Arizona Hockey Club territory.

[@dsarmy1]

Good point!

[@jlopez8719]

Dont be surprised if the Roadrunners end up moving to Utah.

[@stevenfernando9490]

Meruelo is trying to relocate the Roadrunners to Reno and in any event I have little appetite to support anything he owns at this point

[@admirals818]

@@jlopez8719 Rumor has it the Roadrunners are eventually moving to Reno, so pro hockey in Arizona can be totally destroyed by one guy.

[@Iggykoop]

IDK why seeing chance welcoming Arizona fans in the AD reminds me of the ending of Titanic LMAOOOO...

[@nathanbeaner928]

its all about the Might ducks and coach Bombay QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK

[@mochabean5692]

The Golden Knights and Utah Hockey Club air games on KASW 61 (cable 6, used to be a CW station) and on the sub-channel of ABC 15, KNXV-TV. Both stations are owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, who in turn own stations in Vegas and SLC and have the rights to air local games for the Knights and UHC Edit: Scripps also has stations in Tucson, and both teams also air their games in Tucson on KWBA-TV, another former CW station. So basically there’s statewide coverage for both the Knights and UHC throughout Arizona thanks to Scripps

[@jimt9245]

This can only help the greater Hockey community to the region of Arizona and beyond. Great video as always.

[@geoff3103]

Vegas should have a stronger presence in Phoenix, considering the NHL gave away their secondary market that was SLC. Vegas shared SLC with Denver. I truly hope The Utah Hockey Club does well off the ice because they have ZERO secondary markets to draw fans. And its also very embarrassing and disturbing for the league that this is TWICE now in less than 15 years that the league has screwed up two big prosperous markets. They traded Atlanta for Winnipeg in 2011, and now Phoenix for SLC. Now does that make business sense? What other leagues have done that? Exactly. And don't get me started on Houston.

[@pikemanadventure5269]

Utah, Vegas and Avs all have tv rights

[@michaelmannion1405]

Where can you watch Avs games in Phoenix?

[@gordonlong3095]

This makes sense. Every team wants to expand their fan base. It’s ok to root for the former Coyote players: in essence, they’ve ‘merely’ been traded to another team, who wasn’t an archrival of the Coyotes. (When the Coyotes return, of course, Vegas, Utah, and the Avs will become arch rivals.) Now, if a player signed a free agent contract to join that other team, however, they willingly left your team--it’s ok to dislike them in that case. Now, the Coyotes fans should actively dislike Meruello (for losing the Coyotes) and Smith (who stole the Coyotes players), and they don’t need to root for the Utah HC. (That’s ok, Utah HC can tap into the Boise market as the Coyotes tapped into the Tucson and Flagstaff markets.)

[@CIronbeard]

Crazy to say Smith stole the team. When someone leaves an extensive abusive relationship and ends up with a new partner who treats them better and appreciates them, you don't say they stole them from the abuser. Muerello lost the team. Plain and simple.

[@molnya2]

@@CIronbeard Muerello tried, but got caught up in the perennial swinging dick contest between Valley cities,. When the Tempe proposal fell through, Muerello, like any businessman decided to cut his losses, and move on.

[@Area52-uhc]

Doesn’t make sense that AZ wouldn’t cheer for UHC. It wasn’t SEG or the players that screwed you over, it was your garbage owner. Besides a few pick ups, UHC is literally the AZ Coyotes…and they are doing well! You should be happy for them. AZ fans are a big reason for UHC success. You should own that. VGK and the other teams did nothing for you except run their mouth about how you didn’t even exist…now they want your time, attention and money.

[@draveed]

This is a ridiculous take. Utah stole their team! Vegas did nothing to Arizona. If anything, Arizona should feel nothing but bitter hatred towards Utah.

[@geoff3103]

I swear if the original arena had been built for NHL hockey they'd still have a team and it be a lot stronger presence in Phoenix.

[@Area52-uhc]

@@draveedthis comment makes zero sense. You obviously haven’t been paying attention at all to what had happened. Did you even read my comment before responding? I feel embarrassed for you. Are you completely new to hockey and NHL news? Cause that would explain a lot.

[@Dexter037S4]

@@draveed Meruelo was the worst owner in the NHL, and that's saying something when Eugene Melnyk existed.

[@RandomlyRandom66]

@draveed Utah didn't take your stupid team the NHL Did ​ Because They Had A Shitty Ass Owner They Took Them Away And Sold Them Off Like Other Markets. UTAH didn't break down the door Duct Tape them and force them to come so Shut Up Already You Should Blame The Damn Owner For Abandoning Them. The Coyotes will be back one day but stop complaining about Utah Took Our Team.

[@christopherholly5299]

Get me a golden knights jersey right away… - Phoenix native

[@wild_lee_coyote]

What is worse is as a New Mexico resident I am still in the Utah regional market, and so I am subject to regional blackouts. I can’t even get Utah games on NHL center ice or ESPN+. It’s a 12+ hour drive from my house to the Delta center.

[@cenaboyle]

Could the nhl be making teams advertise in Arizona to try keep hockey alive ,for when the nhl brings the coyotes back

[@molnya2]

They ain't coming back. Drive on.

[@DistrictAyslum]

I don't know anyone supporting Utah in the valley just yet, but I know a ton of Golden Knights fans. I will say a lot of people became knights fans here when they were first started in 17. I think because the yotes were such a mess.

[@lorenzoonsports247]

Scripps-owned stations in both Phoenix and Tucson are airing both UHC & VGK games.

[@MrSchimpf]

1:47 I'd say taking the corpses of former Coyotes (fans) is definite poaching too. Also, channel 61 in Arizona was the home station for the Coyotes for their last season when Bally Arizona died, so Scripps (which also owns the team broadcaster in SLC on channel 16, and carried the Coyotes last year themselves) knew in advance either way that those stations would have the team wherever it was for multiple years.

[@topoftheapple8139]

It's a good thing it's keeps hockey alive in a area awaiting a new team. Before the Seahawks were born Seattle was Raiders territory and then along came the Seahawks and that all changed just as it will in Phoenix once they get a team again the fans will show up for them.

[@NSUCarlos]

Whatever keeps people engaged in the sport, there's no guarantee that Phoenix ever gets a team again. Now is it to soon, depends on who you ask.

[@kirkdooley8190]

The Knights games are on local TV here in MONTANA instead of the Avalanche, Kracker (Seattle) or the Utah Hiccups (Utah HC).

[@Falkenroth1]

An old school western radio station I listen to just started playing Knights games here in the valley. The Bull 99.1. Came out of left field. Kind of a strange to be playing on the station. I’ve listen to a few while driving around. Not a knights fan but it’s hockey.

[@FreeJaffa92]

It is never too early to show friendliness to another fan pace and try to annihilate their previous fandom!

[@edalder2000]

I remember when The Colts left Baltimore. Many did not transfer allegiance. The Orioles started 0-21 4 years later. They were 1-23 when they returned to Baltimore for the next home game. 50,000 people showed up to watch! Fans felt a loyalty because The Orioles were there and Baltimore's team. That was also the night that a new stadium agreement was announced to keep The Orioles in Baltimore. That stadium became Camden Yards. Some Colts fans transferred to The Ravens when they were born in 1996. Plenty of folks have grown up with The Ravens and they are Baltimore's #1 team. Me? I am a lifelong Steelers fan who likes the idea of seeing my team once a season.

[@chrisguardiano6143]

This is very similar to how the Portland Trail Blazers have been poaching basketball fans here in Seattle ever since the Sonics left & how the Kraken are attempting to poach hockey fans down in Portland. In the case of the Blazers, they have been broadcasting games in the Seattle area ever since 2020 & are even more accessible now because of the fact their games will be on local over the air stations in both Seattle & Portland this season. The same thing applies with the Kraken though hockey fans in Portland have been very slow to embrace the Kraken given the long established Seattle-Portland rivalry that exists in other sports (ex: MLS) & at the junior level in the WHL between the Thunderbirds & Winterhawks. Then just up the road in Vancouver, that has essentially become the westernmost outpost for the Blue Jays & the Raptors when it comes to fandom mainly due to both teams marketing themselves as "Canada's Team" in their respective leagues.

[@tuckerkohl4358]

When the Braves left Milwaukee, the Cubs broadcast to a lot of Wisconsin with WGN. Now that the state has the Brewers, but there are lot of Cubs fans here. It would be interesting with a new team, but I doubt it puts them in jeopardy.

[@jonathanblazier9268]

Brodie Brazil I got to say is yes that’s our team last year and Utah

[@PHN-2024]

The Vegas Golden Knights makes sense to the former Coyotes Fans best choice because the Golden Knights are actually a Great Team that are a season removed from a Stanley Cup.

[@stefanbrown5872]

Bakdwagoners? Naw that’s not a reason to jump ship. Seems like something a person from Vegas would think tho. A smart fan doesn’t choose a rival team or doesn’t continue supporting the league as a whole if a team gets ripped away. I suspect most hockey fans are giving the nhl a break for a bit

[@christopherwilliams5945]

I am now an LA Kings fan. First game I watched as a Kings fan was the LA Kings vrs Vegas Golden Knights. It would be awesome to see Arizona get another NHL team.... especially if it would be the Arizona Road Runners.

[@Raiden8816]

Been a Ducks fan day one here in Tucson. I never liked the Coyotes, but I did like the fact I can drive two hours to Phoenix and see the boys play. It was nice when preseason games between the Ducks and Coyotes were at the TCC in Tucson. That was only a 15 minute drive.

[@mikesutton245]

Very good episode Brodie, I like how the Utah team is still trying to keep the AZ fans, plus the other regional teams making their presents know in AZ. I wonder if they took the lesson of the San Diego Chargers who left for the "greener pastures" of LA, shun the fan base with San Diego who? San Diego what? Find out NO ONE CARES about them in LA, and are desperate to win the SD & OC fans back. One thing SD & OC have in common they hate LA. That's why the Rams & Raiders are trying to win over the SD fan base. As you can tell I am an Ex-SD Chargers fans, I don't want anything to do with the 'LA Chargers" & I live in the Orange County area

[@jimlittle5769]

IMO, Utah seems the natural place for Coyotes fans to root for. Same players, same staff...at least until Arizona gets a team again.

[@philobeddoe8342]

Poaching only lasts until you get a team. Even though I was a bay area/norcal boy my team growing up was the Islanders. As soon as the Sharks came, they were my team. I still pull for the Islanders, but it isn't the same. Also, as a current Idaho resident who has a subscription to ESPN to watch Sharks games, I'm blocked from watching them when they play Vegas, Colorado and Seattle despite being more than 600 miles from any of these markets......😖 I'm sure Utah is now on this list, because they are only around 500 miles from me. Those territory rights that the NHL has are pretty terrible.

[@PhillyB322]

I feel bad for my wife and her parents. We moved here from Hartford a decade ago. They were STH for the Whalers. When we came here they were excited to support a team again, and then, well. While I don't blame the Utah players or Bill... I can't root for that team. Go VGK.

[@Icemann383]

In the case of the Kings and Ducks, there’s definitely a good amount of SoCal transplants that have moved to Phoenix area for cost of living purposes.

[@tba11]

I know this will fall on deaf ears, but digging a bit deeper on the billboard - When Arizona's Regional Sports Network dissolved, the Coyotes station was 61 (which was CW 61, but the contract ran out and another station picked up the CW Affiliate, so now in order to watch 61 (at least on Dish) you need an OTA Antenna). More food for thought, former Coyotes player Danny Briere is the GM of the Flyers

[@joeyt.]

Quebec city to me is up there with an NHL ready ultra modern Arena set to go tomorrow. There is also Kansas city again with a ready to go arena to if you do the math then they should logically be the next two cities awarded teams. Not forgetting Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Hamilton Ontario. Problem with the last town is its proximity to both Toronto and Buffalo being an hour from each city.

[@EPiche09]

That makes sense

[@mreppen1]

I said and think when Vegas entered the NHL it was the end of the Arizona Coyotes. The cities are not far apart.

[@molnya2]

Vegas ownership paid a huge expansion fee, and literally got to draft a Stanley Cup caliber team, right out of the gate. Phoenix inherited a failing Winnipeg franchise, and never ever had secure ownership.

[@mreppen1]

@@molnya2 Bettmanomics at its best.

[@andrusmotto1257]

I chewed out ABC 15 for showing Utah teams. I said why not Los Angeles or Las Vegas they are closer. They replied they'd be showing more Vagas games on Arizona 61. I told them that they abandoned us and screw them for stealing our market. Snowbirds aren't flying to Utah NHL NBA NFL MLB are dying because they don't play for the love of the game. just the paychecks.

[@sams2960]

BALLY'S SPORTS DETROIT just went to FanDuel Sports Network (but fine print says Copyright by Diamond Sports LLC) ...... hmmmmmm

[@tylerleggett5088]

I live in Michigan, so I'm lucky enough to have never dealt with the prospect of losing my teams. My Detroit franchises might not have always been good, but we have history. Even my minor league baseball and hockey clubs have been in my hometown (Grand Rapids) since the 90s. Seems like clubs are able to pick up sticks and leave way too easily these days.

[@gregorykeller2767]

According to Great Circle Mapper... PHX - LAS 255 miles PHX - LAX 370 miles PHX - SLC 507 miles PHX - DEN 602 miles Is Southwest Airlines having a fare sale?

[@niksocal]

Don't forget Anaheim is part of the Los Angeles market.

[@MariahStearns]

Avalanche also are broadcasting in Arizona via altitude +. They have been given tv rights in Arizona too.

[@WPGJetsf3sion2008]

I'm poached by the Jets,I still an Coyotes fan even donot existing,now I consider me as an Yotes/Jets fan. I hope we will be back,Let's go Yotes and Go Jets Go

[@Rockin_Ross]

Most Coyote fans now support Utah. Simply because the players we love are there now. Why the Golden Knights are even a factor for true Coyotes fans is a mystery.

[@BrianH16]

I am now a Kings fan

[@ki2726]

Coyotes fans do not support Utah

[@stevenfernando9490]

Most Coyotes fans are NOT supporting Utah. Yes there are some but not close to a majority

[@redwingsfan713]

This is similar of Oakland A's fans rooting for the Giants right after the A's left Oakland. Didn't the people in Utah say there were no real hockey fans in Arizona? If that is the case, why are you trying to recruit them to your fan base?

[@elosogonzalez8739]

As a former Coyotes fan in Glendale, I miss seeing hockey in person. True hockey fans want the sport available to them. I want Utah! I want the Golden Knights! Where ever we can get it is fine with this fan. THE BEST NEWS......... NO ALEX MERUELO! Why would anyone have a problem with MORE HOCKEY?!😊

[@generalimlerith8356]

The supposed coyote reboot will take 4-5 years so might as well cheer for a team while you wait lol

[@pnwsp21stcentury81]

Unfortunately, this is also the same thing the Blazers are doing in Seattle, they have been poaching the Seattle market for years since 2008 since the Sonics left, and sadly, the NBA wants them to do it because it just means more money and territory rights. And the Kraken do the same to Portland as well. But the problem with this is that it’s only a temporary, and eventually the Sonics will come back and Portland will have an NHL cause most pro Portland sports fan absolutely hate the Sounders and Sonics and in college sports hate the huskies as well and hate the mariners too so really as a Seattle fan knowing our rivalry with Portland, they absolutely will not sit back and they will strike back at us and they will get the NHL and MLB to their city.

[@lukeguastaferro7962]

Snowbirds from Alberta and Saskatoon have heavily supported the Coyotes, just like Lightning have snowbirds from Ontario and Nova Scotia and to a lesser degree in South Florida with Panthers

[@micahmeshelle553]

Let's be honest. With teams in SoCal, Las Vegas, Utah, and Colorado, I don't think Arizona will be getting a professional hockey team anytime soon. If Expansion happens, Houston, and Atlanta will be getting the teams.

[@DIDDYKONG916]

If they won't at least consider rooting for the boys in Utah. The Players who were the Coyotes and then switch over to vegas. Then they are traitors and never were true Coyotes fans. You don't go to a rival. No matter what.

[@Nathan-xm3mv]

Living in Arizona we get golden knights on channel 61. But now they’re blacked out on espn plus as well as Utah and Colorado. So now we have 3 teams blacked out in Arizona

[@lorenzoonsports247]

ESPN+’s NHL Power Play is their out-of-market service, which is why the games are blacked out (except ESPN+ Hockey Night exclusives).

[@JasonTzzz]

Place your AHL affiliate in Phoenix-area if you want to poach fans. Utah is in the best position with the Tucson Roadrunners. Colorado Eagles, Henderson Silver Knights, Ontario Reign, and San Diego Gulls are all within their home region

[@nathansimpson5721]

I think it's less about "poaching" ex-coyotes fans and more about Vegas tapping into the greater-Arizona market. My cousin grew up in Arizona and he wasn't a Coyotes fan he was a Tampa fan. So not all hockey fans within Arizona were even Yotes fans to begin with.

[@Charlezzdaman1]

Apparently Xfinity has some sort of dispute with broadcasting Utah16, so every Utah game is blacked out on Xfinity cable and ESPN+ in AZ. Kinda bogus

[@AngryBeaver95]

I think unfortunately hockey will never go back to Arizona. I feel bad for the die hard fans there, but unfortunately they didn’t get enough support, or have an owner that actually cared.

[@edalder2000]

The owner is almost always the cause of a franchise move.

[@BrianH16]

I am still one of the Coyotes fans who thinks there should be 32 teams, no expansion as well as NHL hockey will not be coming back here, but that’s just me. Side note: Anaheim wanting Arizona fans 😂🚮

[@rhetturbanczyk4870]

I’m biased as a knight’s fan but I think it’s a good idea to try and keep hockey alive in Phoenix I don’t think they’re as much trying to “poach” fans as they are just trying to keep them interested now that there is no longer a team here in Phoenix.

[@mava1559]

Brodie, ever thought of moving to Battle Born state or Bee hive state?

[@TattooedSean]

Vegas and Utah now appear to be blocked on ESPN+ here in Arizona. I guess they are now local territory. 🤔 I guess that is due to those teams being showed on localish cable channels

[@robertewalt7789]

How about the former Oakland A’s televising back to the Bay Area?

[@patrickbullock9079]

Ive been watching utah and Vegas games broadcast locally in tucson, at least i get to follow keller and the boys. And we didnt lose the roadrunners.