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Hunter named Moose Finalist for AHL Man of the Year

April 3, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, are proud to announce forward J. J. Hunter has been nominated for the 2006-07 American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Manitoba community and charitable organizations during the 2006-07 season.

Even though Hunter was added to the Moose roster from the Toronto Marlies nine games into the 2006 regular season, he made a concerted effort to became a recognizable member of Winnipeg's sporting community. He made it immediately known to the hockey administration that he wanted to be involved in the community whenever the opportunity presented itself and he even went to the lengths of making those connections on his own outside of the hockey club's involvement. He is incredibly well-spoken, as evidenced by his popularity away from the rink at public functions, despite the fact he is not a high profile player in terms of goals and assists.

Some of the many activities Hunter undertook either on his own or through team functions include visiting William Whyte School as part of the "I Love to Read" program in February as well as numerous visits to the Children's Hospital to visit young patients, including those in the trauma unit. Due to his strong religious convictions, Hunter endeavored to speak to many church youth groups, like ones at Calvary Temple, Ridgewood Church, or the Winnipeg E. Free Church Club. He also volunteered at Siloam Mission in order to visit with the city's homeless community and helped out at a number of minor league hockey practices with youth throughout the year.

Hunter has appeared in 46 games thus far with the Moose, scoring 11 goals and five assists for 16 points and 47 penalty minutes. In his six-year pro career, the Shaunavon, SK native has played in 214 AHL games with Manitoba, Toronto, Hamilton, and Edmonton where he has scored 40 goals and 41 assists for 81 points and 218 penalty minutes.

In recognition of his efforts, Hunter will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming home game.

Hunter is now one of 27 finalists for the 2006-07 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The league award, which was won four seasons ago by Manitoba Moose forward Jimmy Roy, is named after the former Hershey Bears forward who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia, will be announced later this month.

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