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AHL Iowa Wild

Kurtis Gabriel Named Iowa's 2015-16 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year

March 31, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release


DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Wild is proud to announce that Kurtis Gabriel has been named the team's winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Des Moines community during the 2015-16 season.

"The Iowa Wild organization takes pride in its community involvement, and Kurtis is a player that has embraced that philosophy," said team President Todd Frederickson. "His presence and commitment over the past two seasons has made him a role model and a favorite among our fans, as well as the youth in central Iowa."

Gabriel, 22 (4/20/93), is in his second season with the Iowa Wild, having been drafted by the NHL's Minnesota Wild in 2013 and joining its AHL club in 2014. The Wild forward continues to display leadership on the ice, in the locker room and off the ice through his efforts with fans in the community. The Newmarket, ON native has engrained himself in Iowa as a regular at community events. His fan interaction, combined with his style of play, has catapulted him to fan-favorite status during his tenure in Des Moines. He regularly volunteers his personal time to visit schools and hospitals. Gabriel is usually one of the last players to leave fan/community events.

The 22-year old developed strong relationship with military families in a partnership with Defending the Blue Line. He regularly provides tickets for military families in the greater Des Moines area to attend home games through the program. The young forward goes above and beyond, inviting the families to personal meet-and-greets after home games.

The son of a teacher, Kurtis values the importance of academics and makes a strong effort to visit schools in the community. At an imposing 6-foot-4, students respect his words as he towers over them, preaching his own experiences and how to prioritize education, allowing him to play professional hockey.

Kurtis Gabriel is now one of 30 finalists for the AHL's 2015-16 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 at a later date.

The Wild hosts Manitoba for a rematch on Friday, Apr. 1 at 7 p.m. Friday is Race Car and Bobblehead Night, courtesy of Krist Insurance. The first 1,000 fans receive a Tyler Graovac bobblehead. The game features $2 beers, presented by 100.3 The Bus. Fans may also purchase the "Bring Your Buds Bundle" which includes: one ticket, one 16 oz. Bud or Bud Light at the Wild game, one hot dog, one popcorn, $1 off a Bud or Bud Light 25 oz. can at the Wild game, and a free Bud or Bud Light at Carl's Place following the game.

Iowa makes stops in Rockford and San Antonio before returning to Wells Fargo Arena for its final three home games of the regular season. The Wild welcomes Grand Rapids to Des Moines on Monday, Apr. 11 for a 7 p.m. puck drop. Monday's game offers free parking until the Iowa Events Center lots are full courtesy of HITS 99.9 FM. Students may use their students ID's to buy a defense preferred ticket and receive a second ticket for $0.99, also sponsored by HITS 99.9 FM. Iowa plays the Rockford IceHogs for the final time on Wednesday, Apr. 13 at 7 p.m. Wednesday features the Jim Beam and NASH FM Guys Night of the season, including drink specials of $5 regular Beam Orchard Twists and $10 for a Beam Orchard Twist in a mason jar. If the Wild wins all fans in attendance receive a ticket to a future Iowa Wild game.

Iowa's final home game of the season takes place on Friday, Apr. 15 at 7 p.m. against the Chicago Wolves. The Iowa Wild extends its gratitude and thanks with "Fan Appreciation Night". The first 2,500 fans to the game receives an Iowa Wild team poster sponsored by Renaissance Savery Hotel, Prairie Life Fitness, Edwards, GuideOne Insurance, and Country 96.5. Friday also includes $2 beer night presented by 100.3 The Bus. The "Bring Your Buds Bundle" ticket package is available for purchase, including one ticket, one 16 oz. Bud or Bud Light at the game, one hotdog, one popcorn, $1 off Budweiser or Bud Light 25 oz. can during the Wild game, and one free beer at Carl's Place. The Wild finishes its season in Chicago on Saturday, Apr. 16.

Fans may purchase single-game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website - www.Iowawild.com, the Wells Fargo Arena box office or participating Hy-Vee food stores. Tickets are available online at www.Iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. The Wells Fargo Arena box office is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. For Saturday game days, the box office will open at 10 a.m. For Sunday game days the box office will open at 12 p.m. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-844-55-HYVEE or by visiting participating Hy-Vee food stores locations in the greater Des Moines area. Those interested may also visit www.hy-veetix.com. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.

The Iowa Wild 2015-16 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center, it runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team's 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play its 2015-16 season at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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