It was Mullett Arena that prompted Jason Zucker to sign for Arizona

Last year, seeing the Coyotes play in Mullett Arena didn’t necessarily help build a favorable reputation for the organization. After all, we’re talking about a 5,000-seat arena, which is a far cry from NHL standards.

It may be touted as a temporary solution, but the long-term plan is murky at best.

On the other hand, even if fans aren’t necessarily unanimous about it, there are some players who clearly didn’t hate the experience. One such player is Jason Zucker, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

How do I know that? It’s pretty simple: he bluntly stated that Mullett Arena was one of the reasons he signed with the Coyotes this summer.

“I think everyone will see that pretty quick just how much I enjoy playing the game and how much that means to me. I think the fans are going to have a lot of fun being a part of that.”@pbrownhockey caught up with new #Yotes F JasonZucker⤵️https://t.co/TrzZPUiesJ

– Arizona Coyotes PR (@AZCoyotesPR) August 3, 2023

Our colleagues at HabsolumentFan also reported the news today.

Clearly, the January 8 meeting left its mark on Zucker, who was visiting Arizona with his Penguins. He says his team members, himself included, enjoyed the experience. In fact, he liked it so much that he texted his father immediately after the game to tell him all about it.

He likes the club’s management and the up-and-coming youngsters, but the arena seems to have been an important element in attracting him to Arizona.

And in reality, I can understand that it may have a certain appeal (the weather is nice and there’s a certain proximity to the fans), but it’s still a college field hockey arena. It seems to me that it must be a little less motivating for the players when so few people are in the arena.

Especially since tickets aren’t cheap either.

For the best season tickets, you’ll have to shell out over $16,000 (US) → https://t.co/M7Zd3EB3I8

– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) August 9, 2023

That said, if Zucker enjoyed his experience, good for him: it’s still good news to see the Coyotes able to attract autonomous players in any way.

It’s just a little surprising that a 5,000-seat arena was a big selling point, but hey: all the better if it helps the Coyotes, I guess.

In gusto

– Victor Mete is one hell of a Puckdoku player. He didn’t even pick himself for the Montreal/Toronto slot,either.

Is this good? pic.twitter.com/lkUTAPJc4j

– Victor Mete (@vmete98) August 24, 2023

– Too bad.

Leylah Fernandez falls to Cleveland in quarterfinalshttps://t.co/luWs91P5G8

– RDS (@RDSca) August 24, 2023

– It’s still impressive.

Lionel Messi’s security is provided by Yassine Cheuko, his private bodyguard.

A retired US Army officer hired by David Beckham, he was an officer in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Chueko is a former MMA, boxing and Taekwondo athlete. He must also love walking for… https://t. co/YMA2FV7hDr

– Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) August 24, 2023