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Phoenix Coyotes to be Renamed the Arizona Coyotes in the 2014-15 NHL Season

By Tasha St. Pierre

Jan 24, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) warms up before the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) warms up before the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) warms up before the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) warms up before the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /

It would seem that the Phoenix Coyotes are no more, at least in name alone. The team announced today via their official website that the National Hockey League team would be renaming their franchise the Arizona Coyotes starting with the 2014-14 National Hockey League season.

Honestly, this should not come as much of a surprise to fans. This is something that they have been talking about for quite some time. Now, they are just making the change official.

In a press release issued earlier this afternoon, Phoenix Coyotes Co-Owner, President, and CEO Anthony LeBlanc announced the name change, and expressed what this change meant for the team and the city.

"“Becoming the Arizona Coyotes makes sense for us since we play our games in Glendale and the city is such a great partner of ours. We also want to be recognized as not just the hockey team for Glendale or Phoenix, but the team for the entire state of Arizona and the Southwest. We hope that the name ‘Arizona’ will encourage more fans from all over the state, not just the valley, to embrace and support our team.”"

As of right now, there are no big changes being made to the Coyotes’ uniforms; however, the team will be introducing a new shoulder patch for their home and road jerseys beginning with the 2014-14 season. They plan to unveil this patch during the first preseason game next season.

What do you think of the name change from Phoenix Coyotes to Arizona Coyotes? Do you think the change is really more representative of the team’s location? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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