AHL Rochester Americans

Baier Named Amerks' 2010-11 IOA/merican Specialty Man of the Year

Published on March 28, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Americans are proud to announce that defenseman Paul Baier has been named the team's winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Rochester community during the 2010-11 season.

When Baier isn't at his post on the Rochester blueline, the third-year pro can be found actively involved in the Greater Rochester Community. Baier's biggest achievement this season was making a profound impact within the local school systems and surrounding libraries as part of the team's reading and literacy programs. Baier single-handedly spearheaded the sixth season of the Amerks Reading Power Play Program, an educational campaign that places a heavy emphasis on literacy, reading and the importance of education.

He also assisted in the launch of the newly formed Speaker's Bureau, a program designed to connect the players in the community and discuss any number of topics within the school setting. Baier tailored his emphasis on education, encouraging today's youth to set goals and chase their dreams while working to become a positive influence in society. He also discussed the importance of personal wellness with a special focus on a healthy and active lifestyle. Baier visited State Road Elementary School in Webster on January 7th and addressed the entire student body of 600 kids on how school helped him get to where he is today.

Outside of the classroom, Baier has also invested countless hours in the kitchen preparing meals, serving as a waiter and bartender to raise funds for local charities and at various team functions getting to know his fans. Earlier this season, he and a few others prepared a home-cooked dinner for the residents at the Ronald McDonald House. He even showed off his on-ice skills as a special guest instructor at several youth practices throughout the course of the season.

In December, Baier, along with PJ Fenton, played Santa Claus for the evening and distributed toys and gift bags to underprivileged kids at the CURE Charity Dinner. Two days later, Baier stopped by the local Boys and Girls Club of Rochester to drop off toys the Amerks collected as a team to ensure all kids of Rochester would have a joyous Christmas holiday.

After the New Year, Baier and five others hosted a fundraiser at McArdle's Restaurant in Fairport to benefit Perinton Youth Hockey. Baier and his teammates served as waiters, bartenders and even assisted in the kitchen throughout the course of the night. Additionally, Baier paid each table with a personal appearance, mingled with the guests and signed autographs with his fans. All tips generated throughout the night, in addition to a portion of revenue were donated to the youth hockey association.

On Tuesday, April 5th, Baier and the rest of the Amerks will hold the inaugural Casino Night at the downtown Blue Cross Arena. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include Texas Hold'em, casino games, music, dinner and prizes. Attendees will also be able to meet and mingle with their favorite players from the Amerks and Knighthawks. More importantly, the Knighthawks/Amerks Charitable Foundation will share the net proceeds with two other great charities: WEASE Cares and Camp Good Days and Special Times.

Baier is now one of 30 finalists for the AHL's 2010-11 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey 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 by the American Hockey League in the coming weeks.

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