Ouellet Named Pirates' Man of the Year

March 26, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Portland Pirates are proud to announce that Maxime Ouellet has been named the Pirates' 2002-2003 American Specialty/HG Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. The award honors the player adjudged to have made the greatest commitment to his community and charitable organizations throughout the course of the season.

The native of Beauport, Quebec has made nearly every one of the Pirates' monthly "Goals for Success" appearances. He has proven to be a natural with the students, sharing his own unique perspective regarding the challenges he faced as a school-aged child. With each appearance, he has become more natural in the role, leading the students in further discussion of the topics covered in the program. He has even taken to giving the children "homework", encouraging them to thank their parents for the support they give the children in their youthful endeavors. In addition, Ouellet's heritage makes him a natural role model for the area's significant Franco-American population, a role he takes very seriously.

Ouellet has said that he enjoys the "Goals for Success" program and other community appearances he makes because they make him feel more a part of the Greater Portland area. He has said that he wants to take the opportunity to give something back to the community that supports he and the Pirates.

Beyond "Goals for Success", Ouellet has taken part in numerous youth hockey clinics, and he is consistently available to fans.

In recognition of his efforts, Ouellet will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming home game.

Ouellet is now a finalist for the AHL's 2002-2003 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 Calder Cup 2003 Finals as the 2002-2003 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award winner.

The Yanick Dupre Memorial Award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, who passed away in August of 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) 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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