Official: Phoenix Coyotes Have Ownership

Apr. 26, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes players salute the crowd after losing to the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 in a shootout at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday morning, the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to the IceArizona Acquisition Co. The group headed by investors Anthony LeBlanc and George Gosbee now take over control of the organization, meaning the Coyotes are no longer in the league’s hands.

Gosbee had this to say in a teleconference with the Media on Monday.

"“I wanted to own the team because I thought at the end of the day it’s a sound investment, and I think that’s what attracted my other partners to the table with us.”"

Gosbee went on to call the ownership team a “tight-knit group”. LeBlanc added that the group will be very hands-on with all business decisions.

"“Nobody in this group gets into anything with the expectation of failing. We expect to continue making this a very exciting, very competitive hockey team.”"

Ever since former owner Jerry Moyes put the franchise in bankruptcy in May of 2009, the NHL has been in full control of the Coyotes. This is not the first time that investors have looked into purchasing the team, in fact, multiple people were interested but were unable to close the deal until now.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman went on to say in a press release, “We thank the Coyotes’ devoted fans for their patient, perseverant support. We are extremely pleased that a positive resolution has been achieved for the fans, the city, the Coyotes and the League.”