The Arizona Coyotes have never played a season without captain Shane Doan.
The 40-year-old has spent his entire career with the Jets/Coyotes organization and has been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
Through it all, though, he's been loyal to the Coyotes franchise, but on Monday, Arizona announced something that shocked the hockey world.
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Arizona announced they'll be parting ways with Doan and shortly after the news broke, the team released a statement on the decision:
The move is one that makes sense in terms of the Coyotes wanting to get younger, but the move also angered some fans because of what Doan meant to the city of Arizona and the Coyotes franchise. After the decision was announced, hockey fans took to Twitter to share their feelings on Arizona parting ways with their long time captain.Shane Doan's days as a player with the Arizona Coyotes are over. https://t.co/G5MRrJ100D #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/4XVZGFcHeV
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan's agent, Terry Bross, called the Coyotes' decision to part ways with their captain a "very sad day for Arizona hockey."
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan's agent Terry Bross: "Shane is ready to enter the free-agent market & see where it goes. Time for him to get a shot at the Cup."
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) June 19, 2017
I haven't been around all that long but, for what it's worth, Shane Doan is probably the nicest athlete I've ever spoken to
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 19, 2017
I hope Detroit signs Shane Doan for lots of reasons and one of them is definitely to see "Doan't Stop Believin'" signs.
— You can call me Alan (@loserpoints) June 19, 2017
The worst thing is that Shane Doan didn't get a proper send off from the fans. #Coyotes
— Rob Turner (@ChillyMostFresh) June 19, 2017
Gotta feel for Shane Doan. He has been a breathe of freshness air in a franchise clouded in uncertainty. A true pro and a great player.
— Maverick (@_MaverickSleep) June 19, 2017
When Shane Doan was a rookie, Wayne Gretzky was still on the Kings.
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 19, 2017
This is what hockey looked like when Shane Doan was a rookie. pic.twitter.com/Gf2gB3KBIc
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan has played 21 seasons in the @NHL. Will he make it 22? pic.twitter.com/3gFvkJKUsk
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 19, 2017
Wow... Shane Doan is out... https://t.co/MuK49fKxln
— Savage Henry (@SavageJHenry) June 19, 2017
Live look at Shane Doan contemplating his #NHL future deep in the Arizona desert. After a quick stop at the local chili cook off, of course pic.twitter.com/Edaq8TUqxd
— Kyle Cantlon (@KyleCants) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan isn't a Coyote anymore?? what is this world
— gender mahal (@smallupsetter) June 19, 2017
I understand making a business decision, but the Yotes really could have handled this Shane Doan thing a bit better than that.
— Esquire, Esq. (@cowgirl_bebop) June 19, 2017
Whoever used the phrase "getting rid of everything old" has no soul. Shane Doan did not deserve to be put out to pasture. https://t.co/QhxWaJDLLf
— Tears for Shane 😢 (@RealSmokeDogg11) June 19, 2017
One of my favorite interviews ever and after, #Shane Doan taught me how to fight like a hockey player. Thanks Captain! pic.twitter.com/G3oAPOB5Tp
— Adam Waltz (@Adam_Waltz) June 19, 2017
I'm not a hockey guy but didn't Shane Doan deserve to make that call for himself rather than have the club make it for him?
— scott bordow (@sbordow) June 19, 2017
Thank you Shane Doan for everything you did for the franchise. It didn't end the way we wanted, but you are always Captain Coyote. #Coyotes pic.twitter.com/X2EkdMpQPf
— Madalyn Heimann (@MHeimannASU) June 19, 2017
Was just told that Shane Doan has been offered a job inside the Coyotes organization. Club isn't sure how he'll respond.
— Dan Bickley (@danbickley) June 19, 2017
Could be wishful thinking BUT would be kind of cool if #ShaneDoan ended his career where he started...The Peg. pic.twitter.com/uZNM3Cujp1
— BarDown (@BarDown) June 19, 2017
What the heck is wrong with you @ArizonaCoyotes? #shanedoan #somad #sosad
— Danielle (@danidoublele) June 19, 2017
I'm saddened to hear the #Coyotes have chosen not to bring Shane Doan back. 💔Thanks for 20 years of loyalty, leadership and being amazing 💜 pic.twitter.com/S9q9fqp1gO
— Jessica Glass (@Jessicaglass4) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan wearing anything other than a Coyotes jersey is just wrong.
— Alex (@F17zy_) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan, #Coyotes' all-time leader in virtually every offensive category, will not play in Arizona next season.
— David Satriano (@davidsatriano) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan's remarkable tenure with the Arizona Coyotes has come to an end.
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) June 19, 2017
Thank you, Captain. pic.twitter.com/IMmLLmMdCw
140 characters could never cover it.
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 19, 2017
But this is a start. Thank you Captain. pic.twitter.com/7ZF5mBZW9h
Shane Doan deserved better, @ArizonaCoyotes... 😔 https://t.co/hpkbL5QGOh
— Bravo Golf Lima (@Benjamin_G_Lund) June 19, 2017
A world where Mike Smith AND Shane Doan aren't on the Coyotes? Not sure I'm ready for this
— Jack Weber (@Jackweber_) June 19, 2017
I'm crying I love you Shane Doan
— ɐpuɐɯ∀ (@amandakellyyyy) June 19, 2017
this is a photo from the first time I met Shane Doan, he is one of the nicest people I have ever met, sad to see him go, genuine class act 😭 pic.twitter.com/WF02aSMkXW
— Jacob 🐺🐧(CHAMPS🏆) (@JacobM00) June 19, 2017
Biggest slap in the face to Shane Doan, his family, the fans, and the team. This is so sad, @ArizonaCoyotes https://t.co/UCpHXtmNkx
— Michela Ricci (@MichelaRicci) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan is the 1st athlete I interviewed when I moved to AZ. He is class personified as a human being. So thankful I got to know him.
— Paige Dimakos (@The_SportsPaige) June 19, 2017
Middle: Shane Doan
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) June 19, 2017
Right: Coyotes
Left: Coyotes Fans
HHH and Orton: Rest of NHL fans + people elbowed by Doan pic.twitter.com/avxSfgaKkg
Shane Doan played so long for the @ArizonaCoyotes, he saw one of his old jerseys return as a regular alternate throwback. @PhilHecken pic.twitter.com/Lzq8No3NgC
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 19, 2017
— JonMike™ (@JonMikey34) June 19, 2017
