The Glendale City Council will vote Tuesday on a new lease for the Phoenix Coyotes, a long-awaited move that could clear the way for sale of the team by the NHL to Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer.
The city announced the scheduled vote when it released the council meeting agenda on Friday. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the council chambers, 5850 W. Glendale Ave.
The NHL purchased the Coyotes in U.S. Bankruptcy Court a year ago with the stated intention of selling it to someone who would keep the team in Glendale. If no such buyer was found, the franchise would leave the state.
Hulsizer met with the executive committee of the NHL Board of Governors this week and came away with the group's unanimous endorsement of his purchase of the team.
Coyotes chief operating officer Mike Nealy is encouraging fans to attend the session in support of the agreement. In an open letter address to the "Arizona Hockey Community," Nealy says the proposed agreement offers the promise of an exciting and bright future.
The text of the letter follows.
To The Arizona Hockey Community:
As a hockey fan in the Valley, I know you are aware of the struggles our franchise has had to endure over the past 18 months. To say the situation has been uncertain would be a significant understatement. However, recent developments have not only provided hope but also the promise of a very exciting and bright future.
The anticipation and joy that existed when NHL hockey first came to Arizona in 1996 more recently turned to apathy. You, of all people, understand that there is something special about this game and the people that play it and hope began to arrive as good hockey men stepped into the fray. GM Don Maloney has put an exciting roster together on a lean budget. Coach Dave Tippett has instilled confidence and a sense of purpose in his charges and the players, as One Pack, have assumed an attitude of
