Can hockey in Utah work? Jordan Martel thinks so.
This forward from Saguenay is one of the dozens and dozens of players who have been able to skate in this state since the creation of the Utah Grizzlies in 1995. The ECHL club plays its games at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, in about 15 minutes drive from Salt Lake City, where the Arizona Coyotes will have to relocate for the next season.
From a distance, you might think that basketball and skiing are the only popular sports in this corner of America, but Jordan Martel says that’s not true.
“It’s a really good sports town and they love hockey there,” said Martel, who became a member of the Wheeling Nailers this season after being traded by the Grizzlies in December. It’s a city that is also very beautiful, which is very clean. Honestly, I think the Coyotes guys are going to like this! »
PHOTO JEANNOT LÉVESQUE, LE QUOTIDIEN ARCHIVES
Jordan Martel
The 26-year-old played two portions of the season in Utah, and he remembers an arena that was very well attended. This season, the Grizzlies averaged 6,003 fans per game, their best average since the 2002-03 season.
Will these fans all converge on Salt Lake City when the first puck drops there in October? Jordan Martel thinks so.
“It’s an audience that knows hockey and loves hockey,” he adds. When I played there, it was always in front of very good crowds, often between 6000 and 8000 people (the Maverik Center can accommodate 12,000 people). I wouldn’t be surprised if NHL hockey could work there.
“I remember a very involved audience during our matches. They are hockey fans like we find in Quebec. What I noticed above all is that they really like the robust game there, they like it when it’s quite physical and also when there can be fights. I have nothing negative to say about the world there! »
What is certain, according to Jordan Martel, is that the Coyotes players, once the shock of the move has passed, will really love their new environment. Especially since the players from Arizona have had to be content to skate on the ice of the very modest Mullett Arena for two years.
They will now be able to move to the much more professional comfort of the Delta Center, which is also the home of the Utah Jazz in the NBA.
“The Coyotes guys are going to like it, that’s for sure,” concluded Jordan Martel. I talked quite a bit with the Grizzlies guys while I was there, and every player without exception loved playing there. In addition, Salt Lake City is a beautiful city, which is surrounded by mountains. I have never heard a single bad comment about this city. »
reference: www.lapresse.ca