Tucson’s American Hockey League franchise now has its name: The Roadrunners.
The announcement was made Saturday afternoon, more than a month after the AHL’s Board of Governors approved the sale of the Springfield Falcons to the Arizona Coyotes and Tucson City Council approved a 10-year lease agreement between the Coyotes and Tucson Convention Center.
“We are very proud to name our AHL affiliate the Tucson Roadrunners,” said Coyotes president and CEO Anthony LeBlanc in a statement.
“The Tucson Roadrunners will build on the great traditions of hockey in Arizona dating back to 1967. Roadrunners was the overwhelming fan favorite during our ‘Name the Team’ contest, and we thank the thousands of fans who helped us select a great name that creates a strong connection to the City of Tucson, reflects our state pride, and extends the reach of the Coyotes brand.”
The logo. pic.twitter.com/ugHtb5gZWt
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) June 18, 2016
The new Tucson logo is a nod to the old Phoenix Roadrunners of the WHA and IHL. #AHL pic.twitter.com/zkaDlAKWgS
— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsAHL) June 18, 2016
Related: Naming a new pro sports franchise isn’t always easy