Phoenix Coyotes, Phoenix

Famed for the coolest jerseys in the National Hockey League with its stylized skating canine, the Coyotes arrived in Phoenix in 1996. Once known as the Winnipeg Jets, the franchise was welcomed with open arms in Phoenix as they played their first home game to a sold out crowd at US Airways Center . As if to prove themselves worthy of such support, the Coyotes went to the playoffs their first year here. With players like Mike Gartner, one of only five NHL players to score 700 career goals, and Keith Tkachuk, the NHL's top scorer for the 96-97 season, the team brought "whiteouts" to the desert, as fans showed up for home games dressed all in white. The tradition continues, and Phoenix fans are still hot for their cool sport. Plans are in the works for a new stadium and training facility in south Scottsdale at the Los Arcos Mall, but wherever they play, rest assured it will be packed with loyal white-wearing fans. Team colors: white, green and purple.