CHL Central Hockey League

Lubbock Captain Paul Fioroni Repeats as CHL Man of the Year

March 21, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


The Central Hockey League has today announced that Lubbock Captain Paul Fioroni has been selected as the 2005-2006 CHL Man of the Year. Fioroni wins the prestigious community service honor for the second consecutive season, "Presented annually to the CHL player adjudged to have best exemplified strong leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworthy humanitarian contributions to his community."

Last season Fioroni developed the ‘24 Foundation' and through several special fundraising efforts raised over $30K to assist in the care of Levelland High School senior Jeremy Green, paralyzed in a football related injury. This season, Fioroni expanded the foundation and placed special emphasis on three specific beneficiaries, including two area children. Amarillo's Canon Perkins was diagnosed a year ago with Glycogen Storage Disease Type 4, a uniformly fatal condition without a liver transplant. Through the assistance of Fioroni, the Children's Organ Transplant Association and many others, Canon received his new liver on November 28th of 2005 and celebrated his second birthday on March 18th. Two-year old Jayde Garcia of Lubbock suffered a stroke at birth resulting in a loss of movement on her left side. Fioroni's efforts assisted in getting Jayde much needed extensive therapy and preferred treatment at the UAB Civitan International Research Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, resulting in dramatic improvement.

Fioroni's '24 Foundation' also aided in making significant contributions the Lubbock Youth Minor Hockey Program, generating funds to assist with ice availability and equipment needs for financially challenged area youngsters. To date this season, the '24 Foundation' has raised over $20K for these projects, with additional efforts still ongoing.

"We are extremely proud to recognize the valuable and significant impact that Paul Fioroni continues to have on very worthwhile efforts," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "His tireless and selfless efforts to assist those in need make him a tremendous ambassador of our sport and a natural recipient of this honor."

Also receiving strong consideration for the CHL Man of the Year award were Laredo left winger Steve Simoes and Colorado center Riley Nelson. Simoes was a key contributor in promoting literacy through the HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) Program with the Laredo Independent School District while also serving as a volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, raising awareness of efforts to help fight the disease. Nelson serves as an active participant in all of Colorado's community efforts, including the Budweiser "Good Sport" program promoting designated drivers in which he appears on a billboard with the Sheriffs of both Larimer and Weld County. Additionally Nelson is involved in numerous hospital and school appearances, and represents the Colorado Eagles Foundation on a regular basis.

Wednesday the CHL will announce the CHL Coach, Equipment Manager, and Athletic Trainer of the Year award winners, with the Most Outstanding Defenseman and Most Outstanding Goaltender recipients revealed on Thursday. On Friday, the CHL will announce the winners of both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2006


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