Matt Mendelson Earns USHL Curt Hammer Award

Published on June 12, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release

Matt Mendelson of the Bloomington Thunder
(Bloomington Thunder)

The Curt Hammer Award has been presented annually since the 1988-89 season and recognizes the USHL player who distinguishes himself both on and off the ice by demonstrating outstanding performance skills, leadership, pride, and determination. The award is given in memory of the late Curt Hammer who served as President of the Des Moines Buccaneers for three seasons (1984-87) and also held the role of Secretary for the USHL.

Mendelson was acquired by the Bloomington Thunder prior to 2014-15 season, and the USHL veteran was a key piece for the team, finishing second in scoring with 37 points (14g, 23a) over 51 games. Wearing the "A" as one of the team's alternate captains, he helped lead the Thunder to a winning record (29-24-7) during their inaugural season. He was an alternate captain the previous season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and his leadership was vital for the Thunder and its young core of players.

His contributions off the ice had a lasting impact and helped the Thunder establish an identity in the Bloomington community which was experiencing USHL hockey for the first time. Early in the season, Mendelson met a young man named Seth Bauersfeld who has Down syndrome and the two quickly developed a friendship. Matt, who has volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics, spent several hours each week with Seth and regularly attended his tutoring sessions which were conducted by Mendelson's billet mother, the head of the special education department at nearby Illinois State University.

Mendelson participated in numerous community events, most of which were focused on the youth in the Bloomington region. He was part of the team's visit to Irving Elementary on the opening day of the school in August, speaking to students about the importance of education. He represented the team in the local Labor Day parade, took part in the team's ribbon cutting ceremony with the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and was actively involved in the Thunder season ticket holder welcome party in the fall.

The native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania continued his community involvement throughout the season with multiple appearances and school visits. He made a visit to Hammitt Elementary, a school for children with behavior or emotional disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, and spent time talking and playing hockey with the students. Mendelson was active in multiple events for the Thunder Kids' Club and assisted with practices for the local squirt hockey teams. He also helped sell raffle tickets to raise money for the local Children's Discovery Museum.

Mendelson was undrafted in the USHL, but the product of the Pittsburgh Hornets and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite youth programs earned an opportunity with the Muskegon Lumberjacks part way through the 2012-13 season. He was then one of the leading scorers for the team during the 2013-14 season. Mendelson celebrated his 20th birthday last month and will begin his college hockey career next season at Penn State University.

Curt Hammer, a dedicated volunteer and supporter of hockey in the Des Moines community until succumbing to cancer in 1987, was one of the founders Hart-Hammer, Inc., a commercial heating and air conditioning ventilation equipment sales firm. The annual USHL award was established to honor his commitment to the League and the perseverance he displayed in continuing his work through hockey while battling the illness.

Eight other USHL players were finalists for the Curt Hammer Award;

Andrew Gaus (F), Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

The 20-year-old forward took classes at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids in preparation for his enrollment at Yale University in the fall, but also found time between hockey and academic commitments to be involved in the local community. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels which delivered hot meals to those less fortunate, and he participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, spending quality time as a mentor to a local youth.

Brendon Kearney (F), Chicago Steel

An alternate captain for the Steel, he was active in the Chicagoland area, including volunteering with on-ice practices for multiple youth teams. He was involved in Project CARE which is an academic mentoring program for elementary students. Kearney also gave speeches at local schools for anti-bullying campaigns, and he donated money received from his high school graduation to the Toys for Tots program. He will play college hockey at Ohio State University.

Andrew Kerr (F), Dubuque Fighting Saints

The quiet leader for the Saints displayed a toughness on the ice, but a softness off the ice that was a valuable asset in the community. He was an integral part of the "Live Like a Saint" program which teaches elementary students about character development. He also was a mentor to underprivileged youth in the Dubuque school district, spending time reading and participating in school activities with them. The 20-year-old defenseman is set to return to the Saints for the 2015-16 season.

Michael Babcock (F), Fargo Force

The second-year forward contributed over 100 hours of community service during his two seasons with the Force, becoming a popular figure that was frequently requested to make repeat appearances. He twice earned the team's Leadership & Dedication Award and Community Service Award and was active in the team's Corporate Angels program which helped donate game tickets to local non-profit groups. Babcock will begin his NCAA career at Merrimack College next season.

Christian Wolanin (D), Muskegon Lumberjacks

The outgoing defenseman for the Lumberjacks was one of the League's top blueliners, earning a spot on the All-USHL Second Team. He also made a big impact off the ice, most notably with the youth in the community. Number 6 for Jacks developed a bond with six-year-old cancer patient Gavin Sima last season, actively participating in Gavin's special visit to the Lumberjacks locker room only weeks before the child passed away. Wolanin will play college hockey at the University of North Dakota.

Logan O'Connor (F), Sioux Falls Stampede

One of the captains for the Stampede, he was known as the humble, coachable, lead by example forward in their Clark Cup championship season. Although just 18, he was the "big brother" of the team for many of the younger players and served as a mentor for roommate Kieffer Bellows, the USHL Rookie of the Year. O'Connor helped with the Stampede reading program, blood drive, and participated in the Meals on Wheels program. He will play college hockey at the University of Denver.

Alec McCrea (D), Waterloo Black Hawks

The third-year defenseman was the captain of the Black Hawks and led them to a 19-8-3 record down the stretch of the regular season. He was heavily involved away from the rink and earned the team's Community Service Award. McCrea volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, visited nursing homes, participated in the reading program at local elementary schools, and assisted with the Waterloo youth hockey program. He will begin his college hockey career next season at Cornell University.

Josh Nenadal (F), Youngstown Phantoms

The energetic captain for the Phantoms the last two seasons, he helped the team enjoy a record-setting 2014-15. He was also impactful off the ice as he volunteered more hours than any Phantoms player, including with the Hockey for Health program which educated youth about maintaining healthy lifestyles. He helped run floor hockey practices at a local YMCA during the winter, even when he was sidelined with a separated shoulder. He will play college hockey at Lake Superior State University.

Matt Mendelson of the Bloomington Thunder

Matt Mendelson of the Bloomington Thunder

United States Hockey League Stories from June 12, 2015

• Former USHL Forward Nick Oliver Joins Stampede Coaching Staff - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Mendelson Earns USHL Curt Hammer Award - Bloomington Thunder
• Storm Host Tryout Camp Next Week in Las Vegas - Tri-City Storm
• Black Hawks Schedule NHL Draft Party - Waterloo Black Hawks
• Matt Mendelson Earns USHL Curt Hammer Award - USHL

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