Phoenix Coyotes Franchise Profile
Founded: 1972 in the World Hockey Association. Joined NHL in 1979.
Formerly known as: Winnipeg Jets (1972-1996)**
Arena: Glendale Arena
Stanley Cups: 0

**For the Winnipeg Jets franchise established in 2011, see this article.

The original Winnipeg Jets were the most successful franchise of the World Hockey Association (1972-1979). The team signed the WHA's first major star by acquiring Bobby Hull.


Hull was teamed with Swedes Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson to form one of the great lines in the WHA or NHL. The team also won the Avco Cup championship three times and featured other stars like Willy Lindstrom and Kent Nilsson.

The team also had some good NHL years in Winnipeg, with Thomas Steen and future Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk leading the way.

Since becoming the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996, the team has had little on-ice success and has struggled to build a fan base. Financial troubles left the owner Jerry Moyse bankrupt in 2009. After a failed attempt to sell the team for relocation to Hamilton, Ontario, Moyse handed over ownership to the NHL. A new owner had not been found as of October, 2011.

Phoenix Coyotes/original Winnipeg Jets Retired Numbers:
9 Bobby Hull (1972-1980)
10 Dale Hawerchuk (1981-1990)
25 Thomas Steen (1981-1995)

Phoenix Coyotes/original Winnipeg Jets Hockey Hall of Fame Members:
Dale Hawerchuk
Robert Marvin (Bobby) Hull
Serge Aubrey Savard
Michael Alfred Gartner