WHL Calgary Hitmen

Cody Sylvester Named WHL Humanitarian of the Year

Published on May 1, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release


Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club would like to congratulate captain Cody Sylvester on being named the 2012-13 WHL Humanitarian of the Year. Sylvester, who just completed his final year in the Western Hockey League and fifth season with the Hitmen, accepted the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy today at the WHL Awards Luncheon in Calgary.

This season Sylvester, who received the ENMAX Humanitarian Award at the 2012-13 Calgary Hitmen Awards Banquet in March, raised $17,312 for his Chance To Play program, a fundraising initiative created by the 21-year-old to support local minor hockey. The funds collected will benefit kids who would not normally have the chance to play hockey by providing them with an opportunity to participate in sport.

"It is an honour to receive this award," said Sylvester. "I've had the opportunity to play hockey all my life and wanted to do something in my final year to give back to the Calgary community and the people who have supported me during my time with the Hitmen. Chance To Play will provide kids, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, with the experience of playing hockey so they can have the chance to follow their dreams like I did."

The cornerstone of his program was the Chance To Play t-shirt, an item Sylvester designed and custom printed with Kaos Design, owned by Sylvester's mom Kim Sylvester and stepfather Wayne Muzyka. These one-of-a-kind t-shirts were sold during Hitmen home games, various events at the Scotiabank Saddledome and player meet and greets, all coordinated by the captain, to raise funds. Sylvester also enhanced media relationships and developed corporate partnerships to increase program awareness and dollars raised.

"As the captain of the Calgary Hitmen, Cody led by example on the ice as well as extended his leadership into the dressing room and the Calgary community," commented Hitmen Assistant General Manager and Direction of Business Operations Mike Moore. "The initiative he demonstrated in the development, implementation and execution of the Chance To Play program is a reflection of his character and determination."

In 1999-00, Hitmen alumnus Chris Nielsen was named the WHL Humanitarian of the Year for his contributions on and off the ice.

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