SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA --- The Arizona Coyotes announced today that the organization will be hosting the third annual Skatin' for Leighton presented by Phoenix Children's at Sun Devil Stadium on Sunday, January 29. The partnership between the Coyotes and Phoenix Children's honors and commemorates the life and legacy of Coyotes Ring of Honor member, Leighton Accardo, while raising funds toward youth female hockey in the Valley of the Sun. Accardo was a patient at Phoenix Children's during her courageous battle with cancer.

The public is invited to come out and roller skate, run or walk the track and enjoy the festival of music, food, and games at the stadium from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with track hours open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

"On behalf of the entire Arizona Coyotes organization, we are excited to hold our third annual Skatin' for Leighton at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe," said Coyotes President & CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. "Leighton was a very special person, and we were all inspired by her incredible strength, courage and passion for hockey and life. This event will continue to honor her legacy and help keep her memory alive. We are very grateful to Arizona State University and Phoenix Children's for all their incredible support." 

"I am so excited to see Skatin' for Leighton come to Tempe for the third annual event where we will once again be honoring Leighton Accardo's legacy of encouraging people to skate hard and have fun," said Lyndsey Fry, the Coyotes Sr. Director of Hockey Development Business Strategy and President of the Arizona Kachinas Hockey Association. "All of the proceeds go to helping young girls with financial barriers play ice hockey right here in Arizona. I've personally seen amazing stories of girls developing confidence, self-esteem and toughness through this sport so to be able to use the Leighton Accardo Memorial Fund to bring more girls of all backgrounds into the game is amazing." 

Fans six years of age or older can register to skate, walk, or run the concourse for $49 with a $49 fundraising minimum. This includes access to infield festivities, a RFID ankle bracelet for lap tracking and a Skatin' for Leighton t-shirt (must register by January 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size for the event). Participants can also register as a team (maximum 20 people per team) for a $249 fundraising minimum. Those who skate, walk or run are encouraged to have family and friends pledge money for their number of laps completed. 

General admission tickets will also be available for purchase for $20. These tickets will provide all-day access to festivities as well as a Skatin' for Leighton t-shirt (must register by January 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size for the event). 

Parking is accessible for participants in Lot 59 on the North side of Sun Devil Stadium. The parking lot will be marked, the entrance into the venue will be on the Northwest corner. 

The Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund was created to 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, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Fans who are unable to attend the event and are interested in donating to the Leighton Accardo Scholarship Fund can visit: www.arizonacoyotes.com/skatinforleighton