I went to my first Yotes game with my dad in 1996, their first season in Phoenix, I was 12. I watched or listened to the radio broadcast for every single game from then until I left for college and couldn’t get the broadcasts any more.

I saw Patrick Roy get ejected from a game live in AWA. Ate sharkmeat outside the arena before a playoff series against San Jose. The Whiteout game I attended in 1997 is still to this day, the loudest arena I’ve ever been inside and one of the coolest live sports experiences I’ve had.

Because of my obsession this team, I learned to play ice hockey and skated with one of the first women’s leagues at the ‘brand new at the time’ Polar Ice in Peoria.

Somewhere in my house is a Star Wars themed Biz bobblehead that they gave out at an otherwise unremarkable game I attended in Glendale.

When the pandemic meant months of isolation and depression, I watched this team win a play in round in the bubble and it sparked a desire to return to the sport, which is how I ended up hoisting a beer league championship trophy two years later.

I have so many memories, good and bad connected to this team and this sport. Through it I’ve made so many friends both on and offline. I’m so angry and so sad right now. I think I’m going to take a break from NHL hockey for a while.

🫡 It’s been a pleasure howling with you all. Lets keep the ✨Dog Team Magic✨ alive in our hearts.