AHL Norfolk Admirals

John Kurtz Named Norfolk Admirals 2014-15 IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year

Published on April 2, 2015 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk Admirals are proud to announce that forward John Kurtz has been named the team's winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Hampton Roads community during the 2014-15 season.

In his three years in Norfolk, Kurtz has raised awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society currently totaling $17,000. He has dedicated time to multiple other worthy causes during his tenure as an Admiral as well. From visiting a local children's hospital, working with disabled children and adults through the Cerebral Palsy Association of Virginia, to working with Wounded Warrior Project and local veterans, Kurtz has made a truly positive impact on the Hampton Roads community.

In 2005, John Kurtz's father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Kurtz's personal connection to MS fuels his own hard-working spirit for that particular cause. His work with the National MS Society has brought an awareness night to Scope Arena, home of the Norfolk Admirals, and with the help of his fan club, the 'Kurtzy Clan," an annual bowling night was also organized where proceeds were donated to the National MS Society thanks to more than 200 attendees. He also participates in two Bike for MS events during the off season.

It's not only awareness that he has raised, he has also raised a considerable amount of funds for research. On his online donation site set up through the National MS website and advertised by the Norfolk Admirals, Kurtz and the "Kurtzy Clan" have raised a total of $17,000 to date. For each Admirals win, Kurtz personally donates $25 to the site. He has also arranged contests to promote donations to the page, including an autographed game-worn jersey giveaway to the highest bidder in December.

Though he has a personal connection with MS, he doesn't focus exclusively on that cause. Some of the specific work Kurtz has done with other various organizations includes skating with wheelchair-bound individuals around the local outdoor rink through Cerebral Palsy Association of Virginia, baking cupcakes to benefit Ovarian Cancer research, Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia, Faith and Family Night to benefit Clearview Church, and he's visited schools to read and play games with students.

Kurtz is now one of 30 finalists for the AHL's 2014-15 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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