"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 have our players wear her initials and number on our helmets this season to keep her memory alive and carry on her legacy. Leighton will forever be a part of our Pack."
"Leighton was truly embraced by the Coyotes organization and we know that she would be so proud and beyond honored to see her initials and number on their helmets…she will be with them every time they take the ice," said Carly Accardo. "The Coyotes continue to prove to us that they will do everything they can to make sure that Leighton's legacy lives on and this gesture is a testament to that."
Coyotes Director of External Engagement & Female Hockey and the President of the Arizona Kachinas Hockey Association, Lyndsey Fry will be roller blading 96 miles across the Valley on Saturday, January 23 as part of the team's Skatin' For Leighton event 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.
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 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.
