AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Lamothe Named Griffins Man of the Year

Published on March 26, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Wednesday announced that goaltender Marc Lamothe has been named the team's 2002-03 American Specialty/HG 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.

Through the Griffins' "Puck Pals" program, Lamothe partnered with the American Cancer Society to serve as a spokesman and participate in special events and fundraisers. He and the Fox Motor Group each pledged one dollar to ACS for every save he makes throughout the season, raising a total of $2,726 as of today. In addition, Lamothe started the "Coins for Cancer" program, encouraging fans to drop loose change into boxes located in Van Andel Arena and Fox Motor Group dealerships.

In his role as a spokesman for the ACS and as a part of the Griffins' "Stick with School" program, Lamothe has visited nine Grand Rapids-area schools this season, speaking to students about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and graduating from school.

"I think there are a lot of guys on this team that have made quite a contribution to the community this year," Lamothe said. "I think it is important for the players to get involved in the community. We're definitely looked up to, especially by the young kids and the students that we go and see. It's fun to be a positive role model for them."

With his teammates, Lamothe also participated in numerous charitable activities throughout the season, including:
* "Tip-A-Griffin," a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity that sent players to five local Applebee's restaurants to serve as celebrity waiters or bartenders;
* "Pucks for Plates," in which players waited tables and served an early Thanksgiving dinner at a local food shelter;
* "Delivering the Dough," a benefit for the March of Dimes in which players accompanied Domino's Pizza delivery drivers, and;
* "The Great Skate," a Griffins Youth Foundation skate-a-thon in which each player and coach skated for one hour around the clock at Rosa Parks Circle, an outdoor ice rink in downtown Grand Rapids.

"We've been blessed in our association with professional hockey for many reasons, including the genuine commitment that players make to their respective communities," said Bob Kaser, executive director of broadcasting and community relations for the Griffins. "The passing of his father four years ago and Marc's subsequent desire to reach out to those affected by cancer is heart warming, not to mention his efforts in other areas of our community relations programming. He is a gem among gems, a player and a person that the Grand Rapids Griffins are very proud of."

In recognition of his efforts, Lamothe will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming home game. Lamothe is now a finalist for the AHL's 2002-03 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall American Specialty/HG Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. One player will be selected from the 28 individual team award winners to be honored during the 2003 Calder Cup finals as the 2002-03 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award winner.

The Yanick Dupre Memorial Award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, who passed away in August 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. American Specialty is the industry leader in providing risk services for the sports and entertainment fields. HG Insurance Services, Inc., is a full-service, national brokerage specializing in sports, entertainment and program business.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 26, 2003


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