Obsut Finallist for AHL Man of the Year

Published on March 30, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, are proud to announce Jaroslav Obsut has been nominated for the 2003-04 American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Manitoba community and charitable organizations during the 2003-04 season.

Obsut has made numerous public appearances on behalf of the hockey club this year, stretching as far back as the off-season prior to the 2003-04 season. They include appearances at four separate elementary schools in Winnipeg during "I Love to Read" Month in Manitoba, as well as two visits to Winnipeg hospitals during the season to visit sick children, including an individual one made to a child suffering from cystic fibrosis. He participated in four minor hockey league team practices in Winnipeg as part of promotional efforts in the community and was one of the marquee players at the Manitoba Moose Sports Carnival.

Obsut's dedication to his teammates and the organization overall was displayed throughout the season in general, but was highlighted by his continued strong play despite media rumours he was immediately headed overseas to join a team in Sweden. Throughout the controversial time, the defenceman was Manitoba's top player, recording nine points in 12 games and gaining his second recall of the season to the NHL's Vancouver Canucks. During his third recall to the Canucks in February, Obsut suffered an infection in his foot that forced him from the line-up for 12 games, including the AHL All-Star game. However, with an intravenous tube running from his heart through his arm due to the frequent visits made to the hospital for IV, Obsut kept up his school and promotional appearances for the team.

This season, the 27-year old is the team's leading scorer amongst defencemen with nine goals and 31 points which is fifth overall in team scoring. He currently leads the team at +8 and was one of two players from the Moose nominated to participate in the AHL All-Star game for PlanetUSA. It was Obsut's first all-star nomination.

The native of Presov, Slovakia was the co-winner of the team's community service award in 2002-03. In recognition of his efforts, Obsut will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming home game.

Obsut is now one of 28 finalists for the 2003-04 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The league award which was won last season by Manitoba Moose forward Jimmy Roy, is named after the former Hershey Bears forward who died in 1997 followin g a 16-month battle with leukemia, will be presented during the Calder Cup 2004 Final.

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