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AHL Tucson Roadrunners

Memorable Moments: 'NHL Dreams'

May 31, 2018 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Tucson Roadrunners News Release


At the American Hockey League level, development is at the forefront. It is, after all, one step away from the NHL. Growth among the Arizona Coyotes' pool of youthful, promising prospects was quite apparent during the 2017-18 campaign.

Two years into the farm team's relocation from Springfield, Massachusetts to Tucson, a move that drastically cut the mileage between the Coyotes and their development pool by 2,500 miles, the effects have been monumental - whether it be the simplicity of travel or the tight-knit relationships hockey operations is able to maintain with its assets in a more convenient fashion.

14 names from the Roadrunners earned recalls to the Arizona Coyotes during the 2017-18 campaign, a group that combined for 80 games played and 17 points (8G, 9A) scored at the NHL level.

Of the aforementioned group of 14 recalled this season, 10 dressed to appear in live action with the Coyotes: Kyle Capobianco (1 game), Lawson Crouse (11 games), Laurent Dauphin (2 games), Joel Hanley (5 games), Adin Hill (4 games), Mario Kempe (18 games), Nick Merkley (1 game), Dakota Mermis (9 games), Trevor Murphy (8 games), and Dylan Strome (21 games).

Andrew Campbell, Emerson Etem, Hunter Miska, and Mike Sislo were each recalled at one point, but never appeared in a game.

Six players made their NHL debuts in Coyotes uniforms after time spent in Tucson this season, highlighted by first-career goals from Dylan Strome, Mario Kempe and Trevor Murphy, along with Adin Hill's first-ever win.

'A Trio of NHL Firsts'

Mario Kempe was credited with his first NHL goal in his third game with the Coyotes on October 14 against the Boston Bruins when he fought for space in front of the net during a power play, an Anthony Duclair shot grazing off of his pads and past Anton Khudobin. WATCH

Just days after being named the AHL's Rookie of the Month for November, Strome, after receiving a slick drop-pass from another former Roadrunner in Christian Fischer, beat Keith Kinkaid for his first tally with the big club to cap off the Coyotes' commanding 5-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on December 2. WATCH

Off of a one-timer from the half boards, Trevor Murphy beat former Coyotes goaltender Louis Domingue with a seeing-eye shot to record his first-ever NHL goal on March 26, opening the scoring in Arizona's 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. WATCH

'Hill Stands Strong'

With no shortage of drama, Adin Hill was magnificent on March 13 as he made 34 saves and turned away four of five shots faced in a shootout to shoulder the Coyotes to a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. WATCH

Through two seasons since the Roadrunners' inception, a total of 19 players have earned the right to don an Arizona Coyotes jersey via an American Hockey League recall, with 10 of those names making their NHL debut during.

It is, after all, a process, and Tucson's proven to be a vital part.

Check out the Tucson Roadrunners Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from May 31, 2018


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