NHL Reportedly Eyeing Arizona for an Outdoor Game

According to Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports, the NHL's Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer said that the NHL is exploring the possibility of an outdoor game in Arizona over the next 5 years. While a desert hardly seems suitable for a hockey game at first glance, there is a viable reason to consider it.

A) the obvious 'grow the game' and B) deserts can get quite cold in the autumn and winter months. According to VisitPhoenix.com, the average low-temperature in the winter months is approximately 45°F / 7°C. Not the ideal outdoor hockey weather, but the NHL has made due with worse.

Even so, the NHL's resilience with regards to the Arizona Coyotes organization is puzzling, but generally speaking it is a smart move for the growth of the sport. However, the general fan-response to this news will be overwhelmingly negative and critical.

Understandable.

It's not like the club has a stellar history warranting the NHL's protection. They were kicked out of their home arena for defaulted rent payments, forcing them to play in a college facility for at least two seasons. They've made the playoffs once since 2013 - bounced in the first round. And the Coyotes' plans for a new stadium are still in their infancy.

So the criticism of 'the NHL is planning an outdoor game before the Coyotes' indoor facility is finished' is totally valid.

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