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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Darche Named Syracuse's Man of the Year

March 27, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


The Syracuse Crunch are proud to announce that Mathieu Darche has been named the Crunch's 2001-2002 HG Insurance/K&K Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. The award honors the player adjudged to have made the greatest commitment to his community and charitable organizations throughout the course of the season.

In his two years in Syracuse, Mathieu has won the hearts of all with his endless hours of community service, both in the city of Syracuse and the surrounding communities.

Mathieu was instrumental in the development and application of the Liberty Mutual Smarts Kids Program during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. During the off-season, Mathieu's input was vital in developing the drug and alcohol awareness program. The program was then presented during the season by Mathieu to fourth and fifth grade classrooms around Syracuse, helping the students to understand that safe guarding one's health is essential for a healthy life style.

Mathieu has become a spokesperson for the Central New York Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis. He helped lead his teammates at the "Crunch at Your Service" Celebrity Waiters Dinner on March 26. Dressing as a waiter and performing crazy antics, Mathieu and the Crunch were able to raise over $22,300 to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

In addition, Mathieu helped form the first-ever C&S Score For A Cure Program during the 2000-01 season and continued to improve on it this year with his fiancé Stephanie Roberge, adding the girlfriends and wives to assist in the cause. Each time Mathieu and his teammates score during the month of March, local businesses and fans make a pledge to the Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at University Hospital. He helped put the program together, representing the players in the production meetings as well as soliciting pledges.

Mathieu has visited local schools all throughout the season, giving talks and signing autographs for children. Mathieu participates heavily in the "Crunch into Reading" and "People as Reading Partners" programs throughout the CNY community.

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

Darche is now a finalist for the AHL's 2001-02 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall HG Insurance/K&K Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. One player will be selected from the 27 individual team award winners to be honored during the Calder Cup 2002 Finals as the 2001-02 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award winner.

The Yanick Dupre Memorial Award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, who passed away in August of 1997 at the age of 24, following a 16-month battle with leukemia. Dupre played four seasons with the Hershey Bears (1992-96) registering 169 points (70-99) in 207 AHL games. He also played in 35 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.

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