Hockey Continues To Thrive In Arizona

Arizona ranked second amongst all other U.S. NHL markets in total growth percentage over the past five years. In addition, Arizona ranked first in total percentage growth for female hockey players and first for total eight and under hockey participation percentage over the past five years.

"We are thrilled with our growth numbers over the past season," said Coyotes President & CEO Ahron Cohen. "It's really an amazing story and a testament to a lot of hard work by so many people associated with our team, including our Brand Ambassador Lyndsey Fry and our Director of Hockey Development Matt Shott. We see it as our fundamental mission to grow the great game of hockey-especially at the youth level-and we will never rest until everyone in Arizona has an opportunity to participate in our sport."

Additional impressive hockey growth numbers include:

• Arizona ranked first among all U.S. NHL markets in girls eight and under growth percentage, and girls (19 and under) youth growth percentage.
• Arizona ranked third among all U.S. NHL markets in total growth percentage over one year.
• Arizona ranked third nationally (NHL and non-NHL markets) in total participation growth over the past five years.

Coyotes hockey development initiatives like the Little Howlers learn to play program, the Raise The Pack PE Curriculum program, the Small Frys and Kachinas Girls programs, the Coyotes High School Hockey League, and the creation of five new Street/Inline hockey rinks have been the catalyst for the tremendous hockey growth in Arizona. The partnership between the Coyotes, the NHL, and the NHLPA through the League's Industry Growth Fund has also helped immensely.

For more information regarding all Coyotes hockey initiatives, please visit youth.arizonacoyotes.com.