Tucson Roadrunners

Lore & Background

The Roadrunners were created after the Arizona Coyotes purchased and relocated the Springfield Falcons to Tucson for the 2016–17 season, contingent on approvals from Rio Nuevo, the AHL Board of Governors, and the Tucson City Council. A name-the-team contest was held, and the name 'Roadrunners' was chosen to honor the Phoenix Roadrunners and create a play on words with the parent club Coyotes. The team's first head coach was Mark Lamb, and their first general manager was Doug Soetaert. In their inaugural season, captain Craig Cunningham collapsed on the ice due to cardiac arrest but was saved after 85 minutes of CPR; his number 14 jersey was later retired. The team won the Pacific Division title in 2018 and again in the shortened 2019–20 season. In 2022–23, forward Michael Carcone led the AHL in scoring and set franchise records. Following the 2023–24 season, the Coyotes were deactivated, and the Roadrunners became the affiliate of the new Utah team, with owner Alex Meruelo retaining ownership. There was initial uncertainty about moving some home games to Mullett Arena, but the team ultimately played all 36 home games in Tucson for the 2024–25 season.

Reader's Guide

The Tucson Roadrunners represent a notable case of franchise continuity in the AHL, having transitioned from an affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes to the Utah Mammoth after the Coyotes were deactivated by the NHL. The team's history includes a dramatic life-saving event involving captain Craig Cunningham, whose collapse on the ice and subsequent recovery became a defining moment. The Roadrunners have achieved on-ice success, including Pacific Division titles and a franchise-record 43 wins in the 2023–24 season. The team's name and logo pay homage to earlier Phoenix hockey teams, linking Tucson to a broader regional hockey heritage. The ownership situation under Alex Meruelo has involved uncertainty, including a proposed move to Mullett Arena that was rescinded, and potential future relocation to Reno, Nevada, contingent on a new arena. The Roadrunners have maintained a presence in Tucson through an amended lease agreement through the 2026–27 season.

Did You Know?

• The Roadrunners' name pays homage to the Phoenix Roadrunners and creates a play on words with the parent club Coyotes.
• Captain Craig Cunningham collapsed on the ice in November 2016 and was saved after 85 minutes of CPR.
• Forward Michael Carcone won the John B. Sollenberger Trophy in 2022–23 as the AHL's leading scorer.
• The team played its first home game on October 28, 2016, winning 6–5 in front of 6,521 fans.