Defenseman Mark Popovic Named Mighty Ducks 2002-2003 American Specialty/HG Insurance/AHL Man of the

Published on March 26, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Cincinnati RailRaiders News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Mighty Ducks are proud to announce that defenseman Mark Popovic has been named the Mighty Ducks 2002-2003 American Specialty/HG 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.

A Stoney Creek, Ontario native, Popovic was the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim's second choice, 35th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. A first-year pro, the 6-foot-1, 193-pounder has exemplified the qualities of perserverance, sportsmanship and dedication as a member of the Mighty Ducks organization. Through his contributions in the community, Popovic has shown the importance of giving back to those less fortunate.

After being assigned to Cincinnati by Anaheim in September, Popovic immediately jumped at the opportunity to become a role model, mentor and leader in the Mighty Ducks effort to develop more partnerships and friendships between the players and Tristate community. He made unannounced weekly visits to Children's Hospital where he signed autographs, delivered gifts and helped keep the spirits of the children up. Popovic also visited several area schools this season, reinforcing positive character values such as self-esteem, leadership, honesty, integrity and family during these visits.

Popovic is now a finalist for the AHL's 2002-2003 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall American Specialty/HG Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. One player will be selected from the 28 individual team award winners to be honored during the Calder Cup 2003 Finals as the 2002-2003 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 (70-99-169) in 207 AHL games. He also played in 35 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.

American Specialty is the industry leader in providing risk services for the sports and entertainment fields. HG Insurance Services, Inc., is a full-service, national brokerage specializing in sports, entertainment and program business.

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