Josh Doan: The Rise of Arizona’s Local Hockey Star
Whether you're tuning in to watch the puck drop or simply catching up on his latest highlights, every game featuring Josh Doan feels like today’s can’t-miss matchup. The Scottsdale-born right wing continues to make waves, from his memorable NHL debut to his ongoing work in the AHL and NHL. This article dives deep into what makes Josh Doan such an electrifying presence in hockey.
From Desert Prodigy to NHL Debut
Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Doan’s journey is deeply rooted in local hockey culture. Drafted 37th overall in 2021 by the Arizona Coyotes, he became the first player born and trained in Arizona to play for the Coyotes, marking a historic milestone.
College & AHL Records
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Arizona State University (ASU): 37 points as a freshman; 38 as a sophomore — named team captain.
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Tucson Roadrunners (AHL): Finished 2023–24 with 46 points in 62 games, topping the team’s rookie charts.
A Fairytale NHL Debut
Recalled by the Coyotes on March 26, 2024, Doan scored two goals in his very first NHL game—a franchise first. He notably:
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Netted one goal in the second period.
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Redirected a third-period shot to seal a 6–2 win over the Blue Jackets.
Fans flooded the stands at Mullett Arena, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of playoff fever.
What Makes Every Doan Game “Today’s” Game
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Family Legacy and Local Roots
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Son of Coyotes legend Shane Doan (franchise leader in goals, assists, points).
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A native Arizona player representing his home — it doesn’t get more local than that.
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Net-Front Grit
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Known for battling in the “dirty areas,” creating rebounds, and spearheading forecheck plays.
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His style energized teammates—prompting a shift in the team’s forechecking approach.
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Defining First NHL Moments
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First player in franchise history to score two goals in his debut.
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The first goal tied the game; the second put Arizona ahead for good.
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Consistent Development in AHL and NHL
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After debuting in the NHL, he’s split time between the Utah Hockey Club and Tucson.
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In Feb 2025, Utah reassigned him back to Tucson to ensure consistent ice time.
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Overall, he’s a steady two-way contributor: scoring power-play goals, dominating on the forecheck, and earning praise from coaches.
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Game Style Comparison: Josh Doan vs. Typical NHL Rookie
| Feature | Josh Doan | Typical NHL Rookie |
|---|---|---|
| Debut Impact | 2 goals in first game | 0–1 goals; rarely multi-goal debut |
| Playing Style | Strong net-front presence | Often perimeter-based, hesitant at crease |
| Legacy / Roots | Son of franchise icon, Arizona local | Usually from traditional hockey regions |
| Fan Reception | Electric home debut – arena on fire | Mixed; debut often underwhelming |
| AHL Record | 46 points, AHL All‑Rookie team | Varies; exceptional but not league-wide |
| Current Role | 3rd‑line NHL / 1st‑line AHL | Typically grind-line or extra forward role |
Why “Game Today” Is Always Worth Watching
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Emotional Engagement: His ties to Arizona and memorable debut mean every time he steps on ice, it's an event.
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Team Momentum: His hard-nosed playing sparks teammates to elevate their game.
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Projected Growth: Coaches consistently spotlight his “little things”—stick work, positioning, hockey IQ.
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Potential Upside: From AHL scoring to NHL contributions, he’s carving a trajectory few can match.
What Fans Are Saying
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“The building was electric. … Everyone in the rink was so hype for him”.
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Observers note how his aggressive play has inspired others:
“Notice how everyone is driving the front of the net all of a sudden?”
Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendars
“Josh Doan Game Today” isn’t just a title—it’s a state of mind for passionate hockey fans. His local lineage, debut heroics, and relentless work ethic make every appearance feel like a feature event.
If you're following the Coyotes, Roadrunners, or Utah squad, do yourself a favor: watch Josh Doan’s next shift. He flips the narrative—making every game truly today’s game.
