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Eric Neilson Named Syracuse Crunch's 2013-14 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year

April 2, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse, NY -- The Syracuse Crunch are proud to announce that Eric Neilson has been named the team's winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Syracuse community during the 2013-14 season.

Throughout the Syracuse Crunch's two-year affiliation with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Neilson has gone above and beyond in his efforts to give back to the Syracuse community. This year Neilson's efforts were highlighted by his 'Breakfast with a Champion' program.

Neilson approached the Crunch front office staff with the concept for the program and was active in the development and execution of his community initiative designed to teach elementary school students the importance of nutrition and a healthy breakfast. Excited for the opportunity to give back to local students and share his passion for nutrition, Neilson was involved in every step of the planning process. From pitching the program to local schools, shopping for groceries and supplying the kids Crunch tickets, the program was completely designed by Neilson.

Neilson's involvement with local schools didn't stop there. For the second season Neilson was the primary speaker in the Syracuse Crunch and Sunny Delight Anti-Bullying Program. With a contagious enthusiasm Neilson spoke to hundreds of local elementary school students. Traveling around Syracuse Neilson was generous with his time, sharing his personal message, "Everybody Loves Everybody" with the students.

Neilson is the primary Crunch spokesman for Upstate University Hospital. Neilson's commitment to kids shined through when he starred in Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital's 'Safe Kids' PSA about concussion prevention. He also dedicated much of his time in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, working towards spreading messages of health and awareness to the Crunch community and more.

Neilson also headed the winning Syracuse Crunch 'Mustache Movember' team. The Syracuse Crunch created two 'Mustache Movember' teams where fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite mustaches and donate to Upstate University Hospital. Neilson rallied his teammates to both grow a mustache and raise money for prostate cancer research in honor of 'Mustache Movember'.

Fans and teammates alike appreciate Neilson's outstanding involvement in the community. He sets a stellar example for his younger Syracuse Crunch teammates and his infectious enthusiasm has spread through the Syracuse Crunch fan base. These accomplishments in addition to numerous public and media appearances throughout the season make Neilson one of Syracuse's all-time fan favorites.

Neilson is now one of 30 finalists for the AHL's 2013-14 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 later this month.

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