Oliver Ekman-Larsson spends time with young fan Bruce at Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Credit: Norm Hall Photography everybody is like that. We’re really fortunate to have him in this community.” But it’s not just Ekman-Larsson who volunteers. The whole team is involved with the foundation. Last year, the Coyotes donated $2.7 million back to the community and it has even higher goals this year. “Philanthropy is of the utmost importance to us,” said Cohen. “If we’re not successful in terms of making a positive impact in our community then we’ve completely failed. We could win the Stanley Cup. We could sell all these tickets and do well financially. But we’ve absolutely failed if we haven’t done everything we can to make this Valley and this state a better place to live.” Case in point is the $250,000 gift the Arizona Coyotes Foundation gave in April to support Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders. The sixth busiest cancer clinic in the country, the Center serves young patients every day who are in the fight of their lives. “I have a 2-year-old son and it breaks your heart as a parent to think about what some people have to deal with,” Cohen said. “If we want to be that community asset, we need to find a way to make their lives a little easier and do what we can to support them.” Matos agrees. “The whole organization was excited when that opportunity came along to be a piece of creating this entity that will save thousands of children,” she said. More than simply writing a check, the foundation has had a chance to witness special moments with patients and see what the staff does on a day-to day-basis. In fact, Matos became close with the family of a boy named Bruce who came to a game for Hockey Fights Cancer Night. “He had his final chemo treatment this year and they invited me to come to celebrate,” Matos said. “I got to be there with his family while he rang the bell to signify the end of his treatment. It was one of those moments where you’re like, ‘Wow, this makes a difference.’” Seeing that difference makes it easier for the organization to raise funds. From 50/50 raffles 26 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018

COVER STORY CONTINUED DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 27