Head Coach Wayne Gretzky, Captain Shane Doan, Brett Hull,
Tyson Nash, Mike Ricci and Petr Nedved
among those scheduled to appear
Saturday, September 10 from Noon to 6pm

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that Coyotes Charities is holding the inaugural "CoyotesFest" at the Glendale Arena to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on Saturday, September 10 from noon to 6pm.  The event features a wide variety of activities that allow fans to interface with Coyotes players, coaches and broadcasters.

Players scheduled to appear include Captain Shane Doan, Brett Hull, Tyson Nash, Mike Ricci, Brian Boucher, Petr Nedved, Derek Morris, Oleg Saprykin, Ladislav Nagy, Paul Mara, Sean O'Donnell and Mike Leclerc. Also participating will be Head Coach Wayne Gretzky and Associate Coaches Barry Smith, Rick Tocchet and Rick Bowness. Broadcasters Darren Pang, Curt Keilback, Bob Heethuis and Louis DeBrusk will also appear at CoyotesFest.

Activities will be held throughout the Arena and on the ice and include the 2005-06 Season Preview seminar with coaches, Skill Demonstrations on the ice led by Associate Coach Rick Tocchet, a fan participation Jeopardy game; and a Kids' Korner that features fun for little ones such as cookie decorating, puck stacking contests, ball toss and a coloring contest.  In addition, there will be a number of autograph and photo sessions with the players, Zamboni rides, locker room tours, trivia contests, and KDUS 1060 will broadcast live from noon to 3:30 p.m. The program will feature interviews with Coyotes players and executives.

"CoyotesFest will be a fan interactive event for Coyotes fans with players, coaches and broadcasters participating," said Coyotes President and COO Douglas Moss. "With the 2005-06 season just around the corner and training camp beginning Sunday, this will be a great way to reintroduce Coyotes hockey to our fans plus we'll be able to help the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina."

Although admission to CoyotesFest is free, the Coyotes are encouraging all attendees to bring new clothing, toys and toiletries to the event which will be donated to the Salvation Army for the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts. Coyotes Charities is requesting a $5 donation for Zamboni rides and a $5 donation for adults and a $1 donation for children 12 and under for locker room tours.  All donations will go to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  In addition, the Coyotes will match all monetary donations made at CoyotesFest.

CoyotesFest 2005 Complete List of Events