Coyotes' players were able to let their guard down for a night while also making in impact for the community at the annual Celebrity Waiters Gala.
If not for playing hockey, Arizona Coyotes’ players may make for some good waiters.
The Coyotes hosted their annual Celebrity Waiters Gala at Gila River Resorts & Casinos on Thursday night where players served as waiters for each table.
The goal of the night was to raise money for the Arizona Coyotes Foundation as all proceeds will be granted to local nonprofit organizations.
“This is a special night, it really is,” Coyotes president Xavier Gutierrez said. “We get to celebrate really all the impact we make in the community and to raise money for all these incredible organizations that we want to be a platform for. Our players get to be involved, they are the true stars of this community. Their commitment towards making a difference in terms of using their powerful voice is always just so impressive.”
It’s these sorts of events that bring sports teams closer to their community. This shows there is more to being an athlete than just their athletic performance. It’s also about using their platform to make a difference in people’s lives.
“As players you want to be involved as much as possible and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation makes it pretty easy for us to pick and choose and be at different ones,” Nick Bjugstad said. “Obviously it’s a team event and it’s important for us to be involved with the fans as well. Those are the people coming to the games and paying for the seats, so definitely grateful for them.”
It was really nice to see the players take their game faces off for a night and just enjoy themselves.
Players were seen laughing together and goofing around having a good time which was a beautiful sight to witness since they are always locked in when it comes to being on the ice.
The Coyotes are a tight knit group, but it’s these kinds of moments that helps grow their bond even further as brothers.
“It’s a great opportunity to just spend time with each other away from the rink, off the ice and just having a fun time pretty much,” J.J. Moser said. “That’s the main thing here.”