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AHL Cleveland Monsters

Brad Thiessen Named Monsters' 2017-18 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year

March 29, 2018 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Monsters News Release


Brad Thiessen of the Cleveland Monsters
Brad Thiessen of the Cleveland Monsters
(Cleveland Monsters)

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Monsters, proud AHL affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, are happy to announce that Brad Thiessen has been named the team's winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to the greater Cleveland community during the 2017-18 season, specifically through his signature "Brad's Bigs & Littles" program, benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland.

Thiessen helped roll out the red carpet for special guests from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland this season through "Brad's Bigs & Littles." The first-year program provided 18 pairs of 'matches' from the mentoring organization a chance to attend a game at The Q with all expenses paid. Each participant received seats near the glass, $10 in concessions credits, a "Brad's Bigs & Littles" souvenir puck, and Monsters gear. Following the game, guests were invited down to the Monsters Locker Room for a meet-and-greet with Brad himself. For many of the participants, it was their first time witnessing a hockey game.

Thiessen has also become a significant part of the Monsters' "Monsters Buddies" program the last two seasons. "Monsters Buddies" pairs members of a local special needs hockey team, the Cleveland Rockin' Wildcats, with their AHL counterparts. The buddies participate in several social events throughout the year, including trips to Dave & Busters, ice skating sessions, and even sharing the ice for a dual-team practice. Thiessen and his "Monsters Buddy" Cameron have been paired together through "Monsters Buddies" since 2016.

Thiessen also graced the catwalk for charity in the month of November at The Q as part of local pediatric cancer charity Flashes of Hope's top annual fundraiser, bringing together Cleveland Cavaliers players, Monsters players, Cleveland Gladiators representatives, and local celebrities to hit the runaway alongside Northeast Ohio children battling cancer and life-threatening illnesses.

Along with the rest of the team, Thiessen additionally traveled to numerous local ice rinks to participate in the team's "Tour With the Monsters" Program where Thiessen and his teammates held open practices before staying on the ice for an hour following the skate to sign autographs, pose for pictures, answer questions, and chat with Monsters fans.

Thiessen is now one of 30 finalists for the AHL's 2017-18 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 at a later date.

Single game tickets for all remaining 2017-18 games (April 6th, 8th, 12th, 13th) are onsale starting at only $10 per seat! Additionally, 2018-19 Monsters Hockey Club Memberships, providing fans the ability to lock in the lowest ticket prices, the best seat locations to each game, custom member benefits, an exclusive Monsters' jersey and free tickets to all remaining 2017-18 games, are now available for as little as $32 per month! Group outing and birthday bash packages for 10 or more people are also on sale now. All tickets can be purchased by visiting ClevelandMonsters.com, calling (216) 420-0000, visiting The Q Box Office or any Northern Ohio Discount Drug Mart. Be sure to follow the Monsters on Twitter @monstershockey, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/monstershockey, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/monstershockey.

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Brad Thiessen of the Cleveland Monsters
Brad Thiessen of the Cleveland Monsters
   



American Hockey League Stories from March 29, 2018


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