Bulldogs Announce 2002-03 Award Winners

Published on April 11, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release


The Hamilton Bulldogs today announced the winners of the hockey club's 2002-03 individual player awards.

Leading the way was the AHL's most valuable player, Jason Ward, who collected three Bulldogs' team awards including: The Hamilton Spectator Most Valuable Player Award, The Molson Cup Award, and The Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. (H.E.C.F.I.) Community Leadership Award. Ward, a 24-year-old native of Chapleau, Ontario, was the AHL's leading scorer at the time of his recall to the Montreal Canadiens on March 12. In 69 games with the Bulldogs, Ward scored 72 points on 31 goals and 41 assists. As well, Ward made great contributions to the Hamilton community and charitable organizations throughout the 2002-03 season. The 11th overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry draft also played in eight games with the Canadiens, recording three assists and two goals for five points.

Winning two awards was defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron. The native of St-Louis-de-France, Quebec was named the Tim Horton's Top Defenceman and was also chosen for the Hamilton Bulldogs Fans' Choice Award. Bergeron, who is currently with the Edmonton Oilers, led all Bulldogs defenceman in scoring with 39 points on eight goals and 31 assists in 66 games played. As well, Bergeron had the top plus/minus in the AHL during the 2002-03 season with a plus-34 rating. Bergeron has played in five games with the Oilers and scored his first NHL goal on March 31st at St. Louis.

Tony Salmelainen and Jarret Stoll, who each played in their first AHL season in 2002-03, were named co-winners of the PartSource Performer of the Year, which is awarded to the hardest working Bulldogs' player at home. Salmelainen played in 67 games for Hamilton this season and contributed 14 goals, 19 assists and 33 points. Stoll posted 21 goals, 33 assists and 54 points in 76 games played with the Bulldogs.

The Hamilton Bulldogs individual award winners are as follows:

The Hamilton Spectator Most Valuable Player Award:
*As voted by the Hamilton Bulldogs players
2002-03 Winner: Jason Ward
Previous Winners: Steve Passmore (1998-99), Daniel Cleary (1999-00), Paul Healey & Brian Swanson (2000-01), Brian Swanson (2001-02)

The Tim Horton's Top Defenceman Award:
*As voted on by the local media
2002-03 Winner: Marc-Andre Bergeron
Previous Winners: Todd Reirden (1998-99), Alex Zhurik (1999-00), Rory Fitzpatrick (2001-02), Sven Butenschon (2001-02)

The Molson Cup:
*As voted on by the media at each game throughout the season (Three Stars of the Game)
2002-03 Winner: Jason Ward
Previous Winners: Steve Passmore (1998-99), Daniel Cleary (1999-00), Paul Healey (2000-01), Brian Swanson (2001-02)

The PartSource Performer of the Year Award: (Awarded to Hardest Working Bulldogs Player at Home)
*As voted on by the local media at each home game throughout the season.
2002-03 Winner(s): Tony Salmelainen & Jarret Stoll
Previous Winners: Steve Potvin (1998-99), Brian Swanson (1999-00), Chad Hinz (2000-01), Jason Chimera (2001-02)

The Hamilton Bulldogs Fans' Choice Award:
* As voted on by The Growl – the Hamilton Bulldogs' Booster Club
2002-03 Winner: Marc-Andre Bergeron
Previous Winners: Chris Ferraro (1998-99), Mike Minard (1999-00), Jason Chimera (2000-01), Brian Swanson (2001-02)

The Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. (H.E.C.F.I.) Community Leadership Award:
*As voted on by the staff of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club
2002-03 Winner: Jason Ward
Previous Winners: Jeff Daw (1998-99), Mike Minard (1999-00), Ryan Risidore (2000-01), Alain Nasreddine (2001-02)

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American Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2003


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