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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Hockey

Arizona Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) based in Arizona from 1996 to 2024.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Arizona Coyotes were a National Hockey League (NHL) team based in Arizona from 1996 to 2024, originating from the Winnipeg Jets franchise.

What it is

The franchise began as the Winnipeg Jets in the World Hockey Association in 1972, joined the NHL in 1979, and relocated to Phoenix in 1996. It was known as the Phoenix Coyotes until 2014, then as the Arizona Coyotes. The team played at America West Arena, Gila River Arena, and Mullett Arena.

Why it matters

The Coyotes' 2024 sale ended the NHL's presence in Arizona and moved the franchise to Salt Lake City as the Utah Hockey Club. The team's Canadian roots—starting in Winnipeg—make it part of Canadian hockey history.

Key details

The Coyotes won one division title but never a Stanley Cup. Their assets were sold in 2024, and the NHL established a new team in Utah, effectively replacing the Arizona franchise.

In short

  • The franchise started as the Winnipeg Jets in 1972.
  • The team moved to Arizona in 1996 and was renamed the Arizona Coyotes in 2014.
  • The Coyotes ceased operations in Arizona in 2024 after asset sale to Utah.
  • They won no Stanley Cups.
Canadian angle

The franchise began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, making it part of Canadian hockey history before its 1996 relocation to Arizona.

Quick questions

Were the Arizona Coyotes a real NHL team?
Yes. They were a professional NHL franchise based in Arizona from 1996 to 2024.
What happened to the Coyotes in 2024?
Their assets were sold, and the franchise was replaced in Salt Lake City by the Utah Hockey Club.
How many Stanley Cups did the Coyotes win?
None.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Arizona-Coyotes
    Supports: Team history, Arizona tenure from 1996 to 2024, and 2024 sale leading to Utah Hockey Club
  2. ABC15 Arizona — https://www.abc15.com/sports/timeline-a-look-at-the-coyotes-time-in-arizona
    Supports: Relocation to Arizona in 1996, name change to Arizona Coyotes in 2014, and final season in 2024
  3. StatMuse — https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/team/arizona-coyotes-franchise-28/history
    Supports: Franchise seasons, conference and division context, and lack of championships
  4. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/arizona-coyotes
    Supports: Origin as Winnipeg Jets, 1979 NHL entry, move to Arizona, and home arena information