IceCats Announce Year End Awards

April 5, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA - Prior to the faceoff of this evening's American Hockey League (AHL) game with Worcester hosting the Manchester Monarchs, several IceCats players were honored for their achievements during the 2002-2003 season.

Rookie of the Year-Johnny Pohl--> Despite missing 21 games due to injury, Pohl kept offensive pace with not only the first year players in the AHL, but his team as well. With just three regular season games remaining, the 23-year old Minnesota product was tied for the team lead with 23 goals and second on the 'Cats with 54 points. He is averaging just under a point a game, having hit the 54-point plateau in 55 games. Among all AHL freshmen, the centerman is presently tied for fifth on the scoring leaderboard. His professional career began with a bang, scoring goals in his first three outings and had points in six straight to start the season and eight of the first nine. The former National Champion at the University of Minnesota was selected as a starter to the 2003 AHL All-Star Classic. Pohl was a 1998 draft selection of the Blues.

Roy L. M. Boe Community Service Award-Eric Nickulas--> The IceCats winger has been a captain in the true sense of the word, spearheading several community efforts for the Worcester IceCats. In addition, he has made appearances in the community and the media for several worthy charities. Nickulas has also been a key behind the scenes making sure players on his team became involved in various community activities. On the ice, Nickulas has garnered 17 goals and 32 points in 37 games: 37(17/15/32).

Most Improved Player-Curtis Sanford--> Goaltender Curtis Sanford made his first of five appearances in an IceCats uniform during the 2000-2001 season. The following campaign, he was 5-4 for Worcester. This season, he has truly emerged into an impact player for not only the IceCats, but the organization as well. He is leading the IceCats with 17 wins, three by way of shutout. The Owen Sound, Ontario native has taken the bulk of the workload for the IceCats, appearing in a team-high 39 games. In addition, he has seen time with Worcester's NHL affiliate in St. Louis. Sanford picked up his first NHL win with the Blues on October 19th against the Dallas Stars. He went on to win four more games with the Blues, including a shutout over Minnesota.

Defenseman of the Year-Terry Virtue--> Signed by the organization prior to the start of the 2002-2003 crusade, Virtue returned to the club where he plied his trade for four seasons. He played 73 games for the IceCats during its inaugural season and is the team's all-time leader in games played with 380. His 77 outings this season have yielded five goals and 30 assists: 77(5/30/35). His 35 points leads all Worcester blueliners, while his 144 penalty minutes are second on the club and have added to his franchise record of 1017. Virtue has been a stabilizing force for the IceCats and has been instrumental in the development of the 'Cats young defensive corp.

Seven Hills 7th Player-Mike Stuart--> As voted on by his teammates, first year defenseman Mike Stuart was recognized as the player that has gone beyond expectations and carried out a larger role than expected. Stuart was signed to an AHL contract during the summer and saw limited action on the ice in 2002. When the calendar changed, however, Stuart found himself in the lineup on a constant basis. The Colorado College graduate has skated in a total of 38 games, 34 of them since January 3rd, and recently scored his first AHL goal. He has added five assists to his rookie total.

Most Valuable Player-Jeff Panzer--> The second year pro from the University of North Dakota has been counted on by his team to perform in a host of situations in every IceCats game this season. He has gleamed through in all elements of the game. The 24-year old centerman has provided the IceCats with clutch offense, an unrelenting work ethic and has always been the consummate professional on and off the ice. Panzer is currently third on the team in scoring with 52 points. He is tied for second on the club in goals (21) and assists (31). Seven of his 21 goals have been game-winners. Panzer was signed by the Blues as a free agent in May of 2002.

The IceCats are in Portland Saturday night at 7:05 PM. They return to Worcester for their final regular season game on Sunday. They faceoff with the Springfield Falcons for Kids Appreciation Day at 4:05 PM. The 'Cats, who have qualified for the post season, put playoff tickets on sale this evening. Tickets for the undetermined dates are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Box Office at Worcester's Centrum Centre.



American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2003


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