Coyotes go all out on Shane Doan jersey retirement night

When you think about hockey in the desert, you think about two things: the Arizona Coyotes and Shane Doan.

It is only fitting that the player who is synonymous with the franchise received an extravagant ceremony the night the organization decided to retire his No. 19.

As part of the celebration, both the Coyotes and their opponents, the Winnipeg Jets wore sweaters with Doan’s name and number on the back during warmups.

That is a pretty special salute to the longtime captain.

And that may be the most enduring legacy from his hockey career. Sure, the 21-year pro netted a franchise-best 402 goals and 972 points, but the effect his leadership had is far more valuable than his statistics ever will be.

Doan’s influence didn’t just stop within the organization, it extended to the community. Although hockey in the desert hasn’t always been a successful venture, there’s no denying that the retired star has played a huge role in growing its popularity.

Lastly, the Halkirk, Alberta native thanked his family for all that they have done to help him achieve his childhood dream.

A fitting tribute by the Coyotes to a player who gave all he had to the organization.

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