Arizona Coyotes to host NHL ’19 release party, esports tournament

The Arizona Coyotes announced Wednesday that they will host an esports tournament and celebrate the release of NHL ’19 at an event in Phoenix on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Hockey players from the men’s and women’s teams at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University will play NHL ’19, the latest release of a hockey video game series from EA Sports. The winning team will face Coyotes forwards Christian Fischer and Brendan Perlini in a final round.

“As an organization, we are constantly looking for new ways to broaden our audience, build connectivity to our game, and enhance fandom in our team, our league and our sport,” Coyotes CEO Ahron Cohen said in a statement from the team. “Our unique twist to the tournament engages the Arizona college hockey community, promotes diversity in the gaming landscape, generates charitable donations for the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, and showcases our players off the ice.”

The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Park Street Food & Beer Garden in downtown Phoenix.

The team asks that participants enter with a $5 donation, which will go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation.

The in-arena host for the Coyotes, Kristen Keogh, as well as radio color analyst Paul Bissonnette, will attend the event to interview participants.

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