Ever wondered where the name “coyote” actually comes from? Well, here’s the scoop.
The word “coyote” comes straight from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, where people called it “coyōtl.” Spanish settlers in Mexico picked up the name and tweaked it a bit, and that’s pretty much how it became the animal’s common name across North America.
Before “coyote” caught on, early European settlers and explorers usually called these animals “prairie wolves.” They thought they looked a lot like wolves and spotted them mostly out on the grasslands.
Both names give you a glimpse into how people first saw this smart, adaptable creature.
The Original Name and Early History of the Coyotes
This story really begins with a hockey team in Winnipeg, long before it landed in the U.S.
The team’s journey included big changes in both location and identity, which shaped its spot in the National Hockey League.
Winnipeg Jets: The Franchise Origins
Let’s start with the Winnipeg Jets, founded in 1972.
They joined the World Hockey Association (WHA), which was trying to shake up the NHL back then.
The Jets played at the Winnipeg Arena, quickly becoming a local favorite.
By 1979, the Jets joined the NHL when the WHA merged with it.
That was a big step, but the team stayed a strong symbol of Winnipeg’s hockey scene.
Players like Bobby Hull really helped put the team on the map.
Transition from Winnipeg to Phoenix
By the mid-1990s, the Jets ran into financial trouble and arena headaches.
In 1996, the franchise packed up and moved to Phoenix, where it became the Phoenix Coyotes.
This move brought NHL hockey to the southern U.S. for the first time, which was honestly a huge shift.
Phoenix gave the team a new start and a different kind of fan base.
Phoenix Coyotes and the Shift to Arizona Coyotes
When the team landed in Phoenix, they had to figure out how to connect with a whole new crowd.
The name “Phoenix Coyotes” fit the local wildlife and the vibe of the Southwest.
In 2014, the franchise changed its name to the Arizona Coyotes to represent the whole state.
That wider identity helped pull in fans from all over Arizona.
The Coyotes have worked hard to carve out their place in the NHL, keeping their story alive even as they changed.
Evolution of the Coyotes Franchise and Its Place in NHL History
The Coyotes didn’t always have that name, and honestly, they’ve moved around a lot before settling in Arizona.
Their journey is full of name changes and some pretty fierce rivalries.
The name “Coyotes” really ties them to the region and the fans—it’s become a big part of their identity.
Relocations and Name Changes: A Timeline
The Coyotes started out as the Winnipeg Jets back in 1972, playing in the World Hockey Association.
After the WHA ended, the Jets joined the NHL in 1979.
In 1996, the franchise headed to Phoenix and took on the name Phoenix Coyotes.
By 2014, the team became the Arizona Coyotes, hoping to connect with fans across the whole state.
The franchise has faced a lot of ownership and money problems over the years.
Between 2009 and 2013, the NHL actually stepped in and ran the team until new owners kept it in Arizona.
| Year | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Winnipeg Jets (WHA) | Winnipeg, MB |
| 1979 | Winnipeg Jets (NHL) | Winnipeg, MB |
| 1996 | Phoenix Coyotes | Phoenix, AZ |
| 2014 | Arizona Coyotes | Arizona State |
Notable Opponents and Rivalries
The Coyotes have had some memorable battles with a bunch of NHL teams.
Divisional rivals like the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers always seem to bring out the best in them.
The rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche stands out, especially those intense playoff series in the early 2010s.
Games against the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens have also been pretty heated, considering those teams’ long histories.
Other big matchups include the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins during key playoff runs.
Back in their early days, the team also had some good competition with the Quebec Nordiques, before that team moved and became the Avalanche.
Cultural and Geographic Significance of the Coyotes Name
Your team’s name, the Coyotes, ties right into the Southwest’s wildlife. When the franchise moved to Arizona in 1996, they wanted a name that really matched the desert’s native animal.
That decision gave the team an identity that just fits the local culture. The Coyotes stand out in the NHL, especially since so many teams just go with city or state landmarks.
The name brings fans together from all over Arizona. It’s kind of a symbol of resilience—coyotes are tough, after all.
This regional connection goes a long way in building a bond with the community. Sports events start to feel like celebrations of local pride and heritage, not just games.
