Lyndsey Fry skates across Valley in honor of Arizona Coyotes’ super fan

Arizona Coyotes’ director of external engagement, youth and women’s hockey Lyndsey Fry skated 96 miles across the Valley on Sunday in memory of one of the team’s biggest fans: the late Leighton Accardo.

Accardo, a Coyotes super fan, passed away at the age of 9 on Nov. 24 after battling Stage 4 cancer. The Coyotes hosted Accardo in 2019, signing her to a contract during the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. She wore No. 49 for the Arizona Kachinas.

The “Skatin’ for Leighton” event raised a total of $71,869 in donations, as of 11 a.m. Monday. The money raised will go toward a scholarship fund to aid girls interested in playing hockey and to continue the memory of Accardo in the Valley hockey community.

I am overwhelmed with emotion. We’ve exceeded our goal by over $20,000. Leighton, hundreds of kids are going to get to play hockey because of you. And we promise to make sure they all skate hard and have fun! pic.twitter.com/3bdHcqUpDT

— Lyndsey Fry (@lyndsey_fry_18) February 22, 2021

Fry kicked off the roller blading trip at 7 a.m. at Phoenix Children’s Hospital along with Accardo’s siblings Larsson, Locke and LeAnne, before making stops at seven Valley ice rinks.

“Honestly, I’m really excited,” Fry said at the beginning of her skate.

“The fact that so many people are out here remembering Leighton, that’s the whole point of this. Just to make sure her legacy lives on.”

Skatin’ hard and havin’ fun. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/gHWMDwI9k5

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 21, 2021

Fry’s 96 miles also celebrated the Coyotes’ 25th season in Arizona.

At each rink, Fry was welcomed with signs, balloons and many people cheering her on. She says it was important for her to stop at every rink around the Valley because of the community support each rink has shown.

“When one of their own is dealing with challenge, they all come together,” Fry said. “Despite all of the other struggles, they all come together and all the other links have been amazingly supportive.”

96 miles for one special teammate. 💜 @lyndsey_fry_18 is off from @FriendsofPCH to start Skatin’ for Leighton! pic.twitter.com/rBSA2Ud7Bi

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 21, 2021

A couple former Coyotes, Tyson Nash and Shane Doan, joined in as skating partners for Fry in the afternoon.

Looks like @lyndsey_fry_18 picked up a new skating partner. 👀

Lyndsey and Shane are off to @icedenaz Scottsdale! pic.twitter.com/FicWPtif6f

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 21, 2021

Picked up Tyson Nash & @lyndsey_fry_18’s off to Coyotes Community Ice Center in Mesa! ➡️ pic.twitter.com/3SRKPv3V8A

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 21, 2021

Around 9 p.m., Fry concluded her 96-mile trek at Gila River Arena.

Mile 96! Lyndsey and the Accardo family cross the finish line at Gila River Arena!

Great job by Lyndsey (@lyndsey_fry_18) and the @ArizonaCoyotes! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/HLSfnTfSK9

— Michael Gutnick (@michaelgutnick) February 22, 2021

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