It is difficult to start this because it feels like I have already written it. A while ago, SBNation decided to let their hockey sites go, and it briefly seemed like I would be cut loose, never to write again.
While I am incredibly grateful to the people who donated to the GoFundMe, shared content this past season, and helped facilitate the move to an independent Five For Howling, it is time for this to end for me.
I, Carl Pavlock, will be stepping down from Five For Howling in all capacities. I will no longer contribute articles or game previews, and I will no longer operate the page’s Twitter and Blue Sky pages. My close friend Robyn Leaño will take over in my place.
While I planned to make this move before the announcement of the Arizona Coyotes ceasing operation, it has sped up the timeline.
I want to thank everyone who contributed to Five For Howling. It was always a joy to see the passion and dedication shown by people who just wanted to support the team that, more often than not, was the butt of the league’s jokes.
I also want to specifically mention Rose Ford, Alex Hall, Carl Putnam, Jordan Ellel, Ben Shroyer, Jaime Eisner, Travis Hair, Brendan Porter, James Reeve, Mike Gould, and Robyn, who have all done great work for the site that I love over the years.
I also want to thank Steph Driver for allowing me to live my dream of being a paid writer.
And finally, I want to thank everyone who has ever covered the Arizona Coyotes, both in the valley and outside. There are too many to list, but you are all great at what you do, and I thoroughly enjoyed your coverage.
I also look forward to seeing what Robyn does with the brand, and I can not think of a more perfect person to take over. Robyn has two major advantages over me, she is actively involved in playing hockey and has shown a tremendous passion for the sport in the state of Arizona, and she has a background in journalism that I believe will help the site in the coming years.
I absolutely believe in the future of Arizona hockey and hope that the state gets its NHL team back soon.
Go Yotes,
Carl Pavlock