The new head of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors announced Monday that he will prioritize bringing a professional hockey team back to the Valley.

Republican Thomas Galvin, who was unanimously elected chairman, said he has met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who supports his plan.

“I am establishing an advisory board of visionary leaders dedicated to bringing NHL hockey back to the Valley,” Galvin said.

Galvin says the two big questions that need to be answered are who will own the team and where the building will be located. He also revealed that he has not yet met with any potential owners.

As for why the county is taking on the issue itself, he said there is a “leadership vacuum” and he believes this new board can find a solution.

“Losing the NHL Coyotes was the worst thing. I cringed when local politicians gleefully watched the hockey team disappear,” he said.

As for who will serve on the commission, Galvin said names will be announced soon, but it will be a coalition of politicians and business leaders.