AHL Syracuse Crunch

Jordan Lavallee-Smotherman Named Syracuse Crunch's 2009-10 American Specialty/AHL Man Of The Year

March 25, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse, NY (March 25, 2010) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that left wing Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman has been named the club's American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Central New York community during the 2009-10 season.

Since arriving in Syracuse, LaVallee-Smotherman has been a role model on and off the ice. He has donated his time and effort to a number of worthwhile causes, including Toys for Tots, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Boys and Girls Club, youth hockey practices, charity celebrity bartending events and autograph signings.

On December 17, 2009, LaVallee-Smotherman and other Crunch players went shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods, picking out items that were then donated to Toys for Tots to benefit underprivileged children on Christmas. He was also among a number of Crunch players that visited the Syracuse VA Medical Center on February 10, 2010, spreading cheer and brightening the day of a number of our country's veterans.

On March 15, 2010, LaVallee-Smotherman was part of a contingent of Crunch players that visited the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse to deliver street hockey equipment donated by Sunny Delight and serve as a hockey clinic instructor. In addition, LaVallee-Smotherman served as a Labatt Blue celebrity bartender at McNamara's Pub on March 8, 2010. All proceeds generated from tips as well as the auction which included his signed jersey, were donated to the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation. In all, over $2,000 was raised for the cause.

In recognition of his efforts, LaVallee-Smotherman will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming Crunch home game. He is now one of 29 finalists for the AHL's 2009-10 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall 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 in the coming weeks.

The Crunch's next game is on Friday, March 26 vs. Toronto at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at 315-473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling Ticketmaster at 315-472-0700.

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