After Tempe, Ariz., voters rejected a deal for a new arena, the future home of the Arizona Coyotes is in doubt.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont says the team is more than welcome in his state.
«This is a great hockey state and a great hockey city,» Lamont told reporters Friday. «It’s evidenced by the passion we’ve had for the Whalers for years, which continues to be one of our best-selling jerseys.
«I think we can guarantee them a very strong market here and a government that is ready to come and be their partner.»
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Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is an honorary observer during the third round of the Travelers Championship on June 25, 2022, at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Lamont told reporters that he has already spoken with the NHL and plans to meet with league commissioner Gary Bettman.
Connecticut was home to an NHL team from 1979 to 1997 until the Hartford Whalers moved to Carolina and became the Hurricanes. The only professional sports team in the state is the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA.
The Arizona Coyotes logo at center ice before a game against the St. Louis Blues on October 18, 2021 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. (Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently tweeted that he is willing to have the team move to Kansas City.
«KC coyotes sounds good! @NHL what do you think? @tmobilecenter,» Mahomes wrote.
The Coyotes played at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe this season after playing at what is now Desert Diamond Arena the previous 20 seasons. The team will remain at ASU’s arena for the 2023-24 season.
Mullett Arena prior to an NHL game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets on October 28, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Markets like AtlantaHouston, Salt Lake City and Quebec City have been mentioned as possible landing spots for the Coyotes.
Associated Press contributed to this report.