Coyotes’ second open practice is Sunday morning in Gilbert
The Coyotes gave fans free access to a team practice earlier this month in Scottsdale, and they’ll take their show on the road to Gilbert for another open practice on Sunday morning at 10:30.
The team, in taking a new approach to building its fan base while making sure it holds on to the many fans who come to home games from the East Valley, will practice for about an hour with fans in attendance at AZ Ice Gilbert. While NHL COVID protocols do not allow for physical contact with fans, it’s a chance to see the players up close running through drills with the coaching staff.
The Coyotes have a rare weekend off from games, so Sunday worked out on the daily schedule.
Team President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez said he got the idea to hold an open practice when he spoke to community leaders in Gilbert. When the engagement was over, he called General Manager Bill Armstrong and asked what he thought about scheduling a team practice. Armstrong liked the idea, as did head coach André Tourigny.
“We got the logistics going, and so I really appreciate just how much they understand the importance of really connecting with the community, and then in addition, connecting with the coaching community,” Gutierrez said. “Really utilizing our platform to continue to grow the game.”
The Coyotes plan on, over the next few months, conducting five coaching seminar Zoom calls in which all Valley hockey coaches can participate, the team announced this week. The seminars will focus on Bench Management (Tourigny), Power Play (assistant coach Phil Housley), Penalty Kill (assistant coach Mario Duhamel), Pre-Scouting (assistant coach Cory Stillman) and Goaltending Preparation (goaltending coach Corey Schwab).
Coaches interested in registering for the Coyotes Coaching Zoom seminars can visit www.arizonacoyotes.com/ coachzoom.
“I like that. It’s great to engage with
the fans, kind of show them a little behind the scenes,” Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse said. “There’s not many of those around the league. So I think it’s really good for them to come out and kind of see what we do behind the scenes in our preparation of getting ready for game days.
“It’s really good for the kids and families and it’s a lot of fun for us, too, having people cheer us on in practice,” Crouse added. “It makes it more light-hearted and fun.”
Gutierrez said youth hockey is a part of the team’s business plan. The team is considering holding more open practices, but those have to work with team
logistics and around the Coyotes’ heavy travel schedule.
“We want to see how these work, and then see if there are other locations around the valley that might make sense,” he said.
Coyotes center Barrett Hayton said it’s great having fans at games, but a practice setting gives everyone an extra look and brings energy and an atmosphere.
“With COVID times and not being able to have those interactions, fist bumps, those little meet-and-greets, it’s great to do and interact with the fans. I think it’s kind of a good middle ground,” Hayton said.