Coyotes Announce Skatin' For Leighton Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- The Arizona Coyotes announced today that Lyndsey Fry, the club's Director of External Engagement & Female Hockey and the President of the Arizona Kachinas Hockey Association, will be roller blading 96 miles across the Valley to raise funds for the newly created Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund. The Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance to girls interested in playing hockey in Arizona and continue the memory of Leighton Accardo in the Valley hockey community. Accardo, who was beloved by the Coyotes organization, passed away on November 24 after a courageous battle with cancer. The event will take place in January and the date will be determined once the NHL's 2020-21 schedule is released.

"Leighton was a very special person, and we were all inspired by her incredible strength, courage and passion for life," said Coyotes President & CEO Xavier Gutierrez. "Leighton loved the game of hockey and we are honored to create a scholarship fund in her name to carry on her legacy and provide girls throughout Arizona with an opportunity to play our great sport. Leighton will forever be a part of our Pack."
"I am honored to skate for Leighton and help raise funds for the Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund," said Fry. "Leighton touched all of us and changed our lives. She was such a brave young girl who was always so positive and full of life. She loved playing hockey and I know she would be thrilled that we are providing other young girls with an opportunity to play the game she loved. We hope that this skate and scholarship fund will preserve her memory."

The goal of the skate is to raise $49,000 for the Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund (Accardo wore No. 49 for the Arizona Kachinas). In honor of the Coyotes 25th year in Arizona, Fry will skate 96 miles (the Coyotes inaugural season was in in 1996) around the Valley beginning her journey at Phoenix Children's Hospital and finishing at Gila River Arena. Along her route, Fry will visit all the Valley's hockey rinks.
Fans interested in donating to the Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund can visit: ArizonaCoyotes.com/skatinforleighton.