Connecticut Coyotes

The Connecticut Coyotes were an arena football franchise based in Hartford, Connecticut. The Coyotes played in the Eastern Division of the National Conference in the Arena Football League.

Connecticut Coyotes
Established 1995
Folded 1996
Played in Hartford Civic Center
in Hartford, Connecticut
League/conference affiliations
Arena Football League (1995–1996)
Current uniform
Team colorsNavy, red
   
Personnel
Owner(s)Ben Morris
Scott Gerard
Head coachLary Kuharich
Team history
  • Connecticut Coyotes (1995–1996)
Championships
League championships (0)
Conference championships (0)
Prior to 2005, the AFL did not have conference championship games
Division championships (0)
Prior to 1992, the AFL did not have divisions
Home arena(s)

History

On June 22, 1994, the Arena Football League awarded the state of Connecticut an expansion franchise, and chose the name "Coyotes" in October of the same year.[1] After a tough first season, in which the Coyotes finished 1-11, team president Robert B. Dixon announced that the team would be up for sale.[2] On October 26, 1995, Connecticut Development Authority sold the Coyotes to Ben Morris and Scott Gerard for $750,000.[3] Morris wasted no time hiring Lary Kuharich to become the second coach in Coyotes history.[4]

However, a horrendous record of only 3 wins in 26 games over 2 seasons led to a disbandment of the team following the 1996 season, after Morris failed to sell the franchise to the Madison Square Garden.[5]

The city of Hartford would receive another team in 1999 when the New York CityHawks became the New England Sea Wolves. However, this team's tenure in the city would also be short-lived, as the team moved to Toronto following the 2000 season.

Season-by-season
Season records
SeasonWLTFinishPlayoff results
199511103rd NC Eastern--
199621203rd NC Eastern--
Totals3230 (including playoffs)

Notable players

All-Arena players

The following Coyotes players were named to All-Arena Teams:

Notable coaches

Head coaches

Note: Statistics are correct through the end of the 1996 Arena Football League season.

Name Term Regular Season Playoffs Awards
W L T Win% W L
Rick Buffington 1995 1 11 0 .083 0 0
Lary Kuharich 1996 2 12 0 .143 0 0

References
  1. Jeff Otterbein (December 21, 2008). "Hartford Familiar With Arena Football Flops". www.courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  2. Roy Hasty (August 9, 1995). "Off-season Offers No Break In Action For Coyotes". www.courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  3. Tommy Hine (October 27, 1995). "Group Buys Coyotes From State". www.courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  4. Dom Amore (November 3, 1995). "Kuharich Named Coyotes Coach". www.courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  5. John Altavilla (November 1, 1996). "Coyotes' Run In AFL Ends". www.courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
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