Shott's Tots, a youth hockey initiative founded in honor of the late Arizona Coyotes executive Matt Shott, is now delivering introductory skating and puck‑handling sessions to children between four and ten across the Grand Canyon State.
The summer clinics run through August and September, blending on‑ice drills with off‑ice games such as dodgeball, designed to keep youngsters engaged while they learn to skate backwards and stop safely. Garrett Niederkorn, a youth development specialist, helps coordinate the curriculum and ensures each participant receives personalized attention.
Community Momentum
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chairman Thomas Galvin has joined local leaders in discussing the possibility of bringing an NHL franchise back to Arizona, arguing that a robust youth pipeline like Shott's Tots could tip the scales toward a viable franchise.
The Matt Shott Arizona Legacy Foundation, which operates the program, says the clinics are open for registration in the Valley and aim to spark enough interest to make an NHL return a realistic goal, while also honoring Shott’s lasting impact on the sport.