Phoenix Coyotes Information
Originally founded as the Winnipeg Jets in 1972, the franchise moved to Phoenix as the Coyotes in 1996. The Coyotes are owned and coached by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The Jets/Coyotes have no Stanley Cups and have missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons including the 2008-2010 season. In May of 2009, the organization filed for bankruptcy, leaving their future in Arizona uncertain.
Although the franchise doesn’t look too promising, they have picked up some fresh talent in the 2009-2010 season. With the sixth overall pick, Phoenix grabbed Swedish defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. With its second pick (the 36th overall) Phoenix selected Texas forward Chris Brown. To add more depth to their roster they traded for defenseman Jim Vandermeer from the Calgary Flames, and defenseman Shaun Heshka from the Vancouver Cancucks.
That season, placed second in their division and made it into the playoffs, but they lost to the Red Wings in seven games. The 2010-11 season was equally successful as they made it into the playoffs again, but once again lost to the Red Wings. The Coyotes are currently in second place in their division and vying for a playoff spot for the third year in a row. If they can finish off the season strong, they have a chance to get back into the postseason and try to get past the first round.
Image by Flickr user Pistols Drawn