AHL Syracuse Crunch

Arsene named Crunch Man of the Year

Published on April 3, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


HERSHEY - The 2006 Calder Cup Champion HERSHEY BEARS announced Tuesday in conjunction with the American Hockey League that defenseman Dean Arsene has been named the team's winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to the central Pennsylvania community during the 2006-07 season.

A fixture in the community in HERSHEY since 2003-04, Dean created his own reading program through the team in 2006-07, helping first, second and third graders at Hershey Elementary School to be excited about learning to read. On his own, he recruited a group of his fellow players to join him in this program, visiting on a weekly basis to have players read to the kids, encourage with a reading list to read on their own, and provide incentives for the kids at the program's conclusion. The books in the program, the "Brady Brady" series that promote sportsmanship, honesty, determination and confidence, were purchased and donated to each individual classroom. The third graders enjoyed the incentive of visiting Giant Center for a behind the scenes tour, and a pizza party in the team's locker room. All participants in the program received Hershey Bears bookmarks and hockey cards, which were signed by the players attending. Dean even coordinated with our promotional partner, Capital Blue Cross, to help defray the costs of the program.

Dean is always willing to promote the team through radio and television appearances, but it is with children that his efforts truly shine. He was the spokesperson for WGAL-TV's Coats for Kids Telethon in December, helping to raise money and awareness for underprivileged kids on our local NBC affiliate. This initiative was also extensively covered through radio and newspaper coverage as well. In much less publicized events, Dean has made a regular practice of stopping by Children's Hospital at Penn State Hershey Medical Center after practice to visit the oncology ward. On more than one occasion, Dean has given personal tours to the kids and their families once they are well enough to leave the medical center.

In recognition of his efforts, Arsene will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to Sunday's game with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Arsene is now one of 27 finalists for the AHL's 2006-07 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year The league award is named after the former Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award will be announced later this month.

Check out the Syracuse Crunch Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from April 3, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central