TEMPE, Ariz. — For hundreds of people on Sunday, honoring Arizona Coyotes superfan Leighton Accardo was more important than avoiding the rain as they went out to roller skate, walk or run around Mountain America Stadium in Tempe at the fourth annual 'Skatin' for Leighton' event.
Accardo passed away when she was just nine years old in November 2020 after battling stage four cancer.
She had become an inspiration and a part of the team for the Arizona Coyotes. In 2019, during 'Hockey Fights Cancer' month, the Coyotes signed Accardo to a one-day contract. She attended practice and the team's game against the Calgary Flames, where she took part in the honorary puck drop. The Coyotes even named her the first star of the night.
When she died, members of the Coyotes, including then-head coach Rick Tocchet and general manager Bill Armstrong went to the Accardo's home to support the family and play street hockey with Leighton's siblings. The Coyotes also inducted Leighton into their Ring of Honor in April 2021.
For Leighton's family, seeing their little girl honored with an event like 'Skatin' for Leighton' makes them proud of everything their daughter was able to do during her life.
"An event like this, for our daughter, is very special," Leighton's mom, Carly Accardo, said. "It really shows how amazing she was that the Coyotes kind of brought her in and made her a part of their team and they continue to honor her and they continue to remember her."
For everyone in attendance, and even those who were unable to make it out to Tempe on Sunday, Accardo hopes they can one lesson from Leighton, even more than three years after her death.
"Leighton really showed everybody that you can do hard things and you can do those hard things with a smile on your face," Accardo said. "To always see the silver lining, to always see the positive in everything, you know, that’s what she definitely taught us and those that were close to her and I hope that others see that as well."
Leighton played for the Arizona Kachinas, the only all-girls hockey program in Arizona, and now the event held in her name works to help make hockey more accessible.
Proceeds from 'Skatin' for Leighton' go toward the Leighton Accardo Memorial Fund, which helps girls with financial difficulties afford equipment and other fees in order to play for the Kachinas.
"We live in the desert, ice is expensive, but I tell people all the time one of the most amazing things about playing hockey is it has given me every good thing I’ve ever had in my life," Lyndsey Fry, a former U.S. Olympian and the president of the Arizona Kachinas said. "So to be able to create that and give that opportunity to other girls who are able to play this game when Leighton can’t, that’s what this is really about. And remember this incredible little girl."
If you were unable to attend this year's 'Skatin' for Leighton' and want to donate to the Leighton Accardo Memorial Fund, you can do so by clicking here.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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