Keane Named Moose Nominee for AHL Man of the Year

April 4, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, are proud to announce captain Mike Keane has been nominated for the 2005-06 American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Manitoba community and charitable organizations during the 2005-06 season.

Keane has made numerous public appearances on behalf of the hockey club this year, stretching as far back as the off-season prior to his very first season with the Moose. He was front and centre in the hockey club's participation in "I Love to Read" Month throughout Manitoba, reading to children at the city's newly refurbished Millennium Library shortly after it re-opened. The Winnipeg native part was also part of the club's annual holiday visit to the Children's Hospital in December. He participated in a pair of minor hockey league team practices in Winnipeg as part of promotional efforts in the community, including Roblin Park Community Centre's Carnival Day when he and three of his teammates took on a seven-year old hockey team. Keane was even honored prior to one Moose game this season by his former community club, Sir John Franklin, as they retired his jersey to hang in the clubhouse. Keane was also the most frequent participant in Autograph Alley following each and every Moose home game at the MTS Centre.

Keane's love for the game and desire to play in his hometown was evident this year as the 17-year NHL veteran remained patient waiting for his opportunity to play even after training camps had already begun. Keane trained hard on his own to prepare for the possible opportunity in his hometown, even turning down a tryout offer with one or two other clubs. After signing with the Moose on October 7th, the three-time Stanley Cup Champion's leadership abilities were quickly recognized by his teammates who voted him captain of the team within two weeks. His devotion and all-out play proved his passion for the game has not diminished some 16 years since his last American Hockey League game with the Sherbrooke Canadiens in 1988.

Keane has appeared in 66 games thus far with the Moose, scoring two goals and nine assists for 11 points and 66 penalty minutes. Keane was the team's nominee this year for the league's Fred T. Hunt Award for dedication and determination.

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

Keane is now one of 27 finalists for the 2005-06 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The league award, which was won three seasons ago by Manitoba Moose forward Jimmy Roy, is named after the former Hershey Bears forward who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia, will be presented during the Calder Cup 2006 Final.



American Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2006


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