AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Jason Doig Named Griffins' Man of the Year

Published on March 27, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Defenseman's Commitment to Community Makes Him Eligible for League-Wide Honor

Grand Rapids, MI - The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Wednesday announced that defenseman Jason Doig has been named the team's 2001-02 HG Insurance/K&K Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. The award honors the Griffins player adjudged to have made the greatest commitment to his community and charitable organizations throughout the course of the season.

Doig, 25, has spearheaded two significant community relations programs this season, the Doig Pound and Puck Pals. Through his Doig Pound program, the defenseman purchased 500 Griffins tickets that have been distributed to West Michigan social service organizations during the final three months of the regular season. 10 agencies and charities were chosen to each receive 50 tickets to a select Griffins game. The program, which targets underprivileged children, debuted on February 8 when 50 children and adults associated with Pathfinder Resources enjoyed the Griffins game against Utah from the comfort of the "Doig Pound" at Van Andel Arena (section 210).

Doig has volunteered his time to another new endeavor, Puck Pals, which paired him with Special Olympics to serve as a spokesman and participate in its special events and fundraisers. In addition, Doig has been active in reaching out to the community, by speaking to inner-city school assemblies and church youth groups, reading to elementary school children and making visits to DeVos Children's Hospital.

"I've been fortunate - the game of hockey has given me a lot. I'm just trying to give something back," said Doig. "If you're going to be in the public eye and there are going to be kids who follow your lead, I think it's important to give them a positive example."

Doig has supported charitable causes throughout his seven-year career. He remains an active supporter of the Ice Hockey In Harlem program, a non-profit New York-based organization that uses the sport of hockey to promote academic achievement, responsibility and teamwork among inner-city youth. Doig also supports the efforts of the NHL Hockey Diversity Task Force, which oversees a variety of non-profit programs designed to introduce the game of hockey to boys and girls of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

"Throughout the season, Jason has been eager to volunteer for numerous community events and programs," said David Berkhof, director of community relations for the Griffins. "His interest in children's causes has been admirable, and he's made an impact in the lives of so many kids in West Michigan."

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

Doig 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 2002 Calder Cup 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--169) in 207 AHL games. He also played in 35 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2002


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