NHL suspends Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway indefinitely

The National Hockey League has issued a statement regarding Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway who was arrested Thursday in Aspen, Colorado for a felony strangulation charge.

“The National Hockey League is aware of the arrest of Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway. Pending further information, he has been suspended indefinitely.”

Barroway, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based hedge fund manager was arrested Thursday evening at the Limelight Hotel after being accused of strangling his wife according to the Aspen Daily News. He currently faces a misdemeanour third-degree assault charge. He is also under a court order that prohibits him from making any contact with his wife unless it is to see their children. He posted a $2,500 personal recognizance bond on Friday following a virtual hearing in front of the 9th Judicial District Chief Judge.

Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports reported that the Coyotes ownership group has made the following statement, “We are aware of the allegation regarding Mr. Barroway and we are working with the League to gather more information. When we have enough information, we will have an appropriate response. Until the investigation is complete, we will have no further comment.”

In 2014, he agreed to purchase a 51% majority share of the Coyotes franchise for $152.5 million and on Dec. 31, 2014, the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale. The team was purchased out of bankruptcy by LeBlanc’s Group for $170 million in 2013. However, in 2015, it was reported that Barroway had missed payments and would be removed from the majority shareholder position. In 2016, he obtained a greater share of the franchise at a 54% stake. in 2017, he became the sole shareholder after buying out the rest of his IceArizona partners. In 2019, he sold the majority interest in the team to Alex Meruelo. He is also the majority owner of the Greek football club Athens Kallithea FC.