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everyone in my family; same with when we win a game. It’s just good to know I have a lot of people in my corner.” The Coyotes team this year has a similar camaraderie. Garland says it helps that all the young players were drafted around the same years. They attended prospect and rookie camps together. When the Coyotes win, those bonds are strengthened. “We’re all extremely close. They’re some of my best friends,” he says. “I don’t take lightly that I’m getting to play with them. I think that’s huge for us to be so close. We’re lucky. There are only a few teams like this.” Last season, few fans were allowed in Gila River Arena for games. At other arenas, the ambient crowd noise just wasn’t the same. A few teams are still not allowing
Conor Garland says playing in front of fans energizes him and his teammates. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes)
Conor Garland wanted to play professional hockey since he was 7 years old. (Photo courtesy of the
Arizona Coyotes)
fans due to their cities’ COVID-19 restrictions. “It’s an added bonus to play in front of your own fans,” Garland says. “It’s hard when you have no one in the stands and the building is quiet. It feels almost awkward at the time. I love it when fans are loud and they’re appreciative of being able to come to a game. “When you just see tarps hanging over the seats, the only word to describe it is ‘depressing.’ It takes the mood out of the rink. It’s not natural — especially when you’re playing Vegas and Colorado. They’re so loud, and the arenas are so fun to play in. I look forward to the day when everybody can have fans.” 14
APRIL 2021 | MAY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM