from Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports,

During the Coyotes’ inaugural season in the Valley, the state featured 2,349 USA Hockey registered players.

That number rose to 7,329 for the 2014-15 campaign – a jump of 212 percent – and the most significant boost among youth players has been for those 8 years old and under (331 to 1,101).

“When the Coyotes moved in to Arizona, a hockey market grew up with the team,” Pat Kelleher, assistant executive director for development at USA Hockey, wrote in an email. “Now, with an ownership group and team staff focused on growing the game, we are seeing unprecedented hockey participation numbers in the state. It’s a credit to the NHL, the Coyotes, USA Hockey and most importantly the local volunteers who are creating great hockey experiences for thousands of families in Arizona.”

Not only did the Coyotes’ arrival seem to stir an interest in playing hockey, but it also opened up more opportunity to actually get on the ice.

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