Maricopa County Chairman Thomas Galvin announced this week that Andrea Doan, longtime Arizona resident and NHL advocate, has been named chairperson of the Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey in Arizona, a coalition of leaders committed to restoring an NHL franchise to the state.
Doan, who has lived in the Valley since 1997, has been a leader in Arizona’s hockey community for more than 20 years. Alongside her husband, Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, she has championed youth hockey and community engagement, worked that earned the couple the Pat Tillman Service Award for their dedication to service.
“Arizona means a lot to me and my family, and the hockey community in this incredible state is committed to bringing the NHL back to the desert,” Doan said. “I am honored to serve as the chair of this advisory panel and look forward to working with my colleagues and fellow community leaders in Arizona on this important effort.”
Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey chairperson Andrea Doan with Shane Doan and family
Galvin, who in January confirmed preliminary conversations with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and other stakeholders, praised Doan’s leadership and network of connections to the sport.
“I am honored to have Andrea Doan join me in this effort to bring the NHL back to Arizona,” he said. “Andrea has dedicated much of her personal life to our community and building support for Arizona hockey. Her knowledge of the industry and connections to Arizona and the NHL are instrumental to our mission. As the fifth largest metropolitan area in the nation, we are well positioned with the fanbase, infrastructure, and local support to get the NHL back.”
The Advisory Panel will feature leaders from business, sports, and civic life, with additional members to be announced in the coming weeks.
Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, emphasized that Arizona’s business leaders are enthusiastic partners in this effort.
“Professional hockey is part of Arizona’s identity as a major-league market, and it strengthens our economy, enhances our quality of life, and brings people together,” he said. “I believe the business community will rally behind this effort, helping ensure that when the NHL returns to Arizona, the team and the sport will thrive here for generations to come.”
Lyndsey Fry, Arizona native, 2024 Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey team member, and co-founder of the Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation, said she stands ready to help.
“From youth hockey leagues in Arizona to representing the U.S.A. in the Olympics to developing aspiring athletes, I have seen firsthand how this sport brings our community together,” Fry said. “Professional sports such as the NHL are a key community ally in the development of youth and amateur sports in the state. I stand ready to work with Andrea Doan, Tom Galvin, and our large community of hockey supporters to get the NHL back to this incredible state.”
Community members are encouraged to “Take the Pledge” to grow hockey in Arizona and learn more about the effort at NHLtoArizona.com.