Phoenix Coyotes Visit Flagstaff?

Okay, so the real Phoenix Coyotes might not have been in Flagstaff, but former NHL players were.  The NAU DII Ice Jacks hosted the Coyote Alums to play for a two-half game on February 8. 

Some of the Coyote Alums included players who previously played for the NHL, played for the Coyotes, or even graduated from NAU.

Despite the Ice Jacks falling to the old timers 11-9, it was a game that was all in good fun for everyone that was on, and off the ice.

Ice Jacks junior Cameron McDonald says, "they were very good, even though they were older, they kicked our a--, so they were very impressive. It was a good experience."

Coach A.J. says that they try and get the alums out every year if possible, and for some of the players, it was more than just a learning experience.

Senior goaltender James Korte says, "It was a lot of fun, it's probably one of my favorite games, just the chemistry between the guys...they're so good and we could learn so much from them, so it was a lot of fun."

The best part about the game, Korte continues, is that "there wasn't any pressure, just playing to have fun."

For some of the guys, playing with these men was on a more personal level, like second string goaltender Anthony Caruso.

"A couple summers ago I was privileged  play on that same team in a league down in Phoenix, so getting to know these guys personally made it that much more fun to play them."

This Coyote alum game was the last home game of the season for the DII Ice Jacks as they prepare for the ACHA National Championships in Marlborough, Massachusetts during spring break.