Roche Named Aeros Man of the Year
Published on March 28, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
HOUSTON, TX - For his contributions and dedication to community service, defenseman Travis Roche has been named the Houston Aeros' 2001-2002 HG Insurance/K&K 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. In recognition of his efforts, Roche will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming Aeros' home game.
This season, Roche has pledged to personally donate $100 a goal, $50 an assist and $5 a penalty minute to Kids Unlimited, a foundation that works with children with cancer and their families. Prior to his injury March 9, Roche had amassed 13 goals, 21 assists and 105 PIM for a total of $2875. While sidelined, Roche has agreed to sponsor fellow defenseman Curtis Murphy, who has netted an extra $80 with six PIM and an assist so far, increasing the total to $2955. Should Roche get called up to the Wild, his contribution will double for every goal, assist and penalty minute assessed at the NHL level.
In recognition of his generous contribution, Kids Unlimited renamed the game room at their retreat ranch The Travis Roche Room in a special ceremony earlier this month. The first completed room of the 3400 square foot ranch house, the Travis Roche Room boasts games, toys and an activities table where kids can work on arts and crafts. Also on the site of the 12 and one-half acre property is a fully-stocked pond, which will be used for their annual Rainbow Trout and Catfish Tournaments.
"I wanted to get involved with a charity that dealt with cancer, because it's practically impossible to meet someone who isn't affected by it in one way or another," said Roche, who's grandmother as well as future mother-in-law are both cancer survivors.
Roche is now a finalist for the AHL's 2001-02 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall HG Insurance/K&K Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. One player will be selected from the 27 individual team award winners to be honored during the Calder Cup 2002 Finals as the 2001-02 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.
Founded in 1994, Kids Unlimited is a non-profit organization created to benefit children with cancer and their families. Its workers are all non-paid volunteers, and all funds raised go directly to Kids Unlimited activities.
For more information about the Kids Unlimited Foundation, contact Debbie Lira at 281/367-1059.
American Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2002
- Flames Prepare for Big Weekend Doubleheader - Saint John Flames
- Bears Games Now to Air on 93.5 FM WTPA - Hershey Bears
- Bombers Announce Home Playoff Dates - Houston Aeros
- Roche Named Aeros Man of the Year - Houston Aeros
- 2002 AHL All-Rookie Team Announced - AHL
- Vern Fiddler Named to ECHL All-Rookie Team - Norfolk Admirals
- Hilbert named to AHL All-Rookie Team - Providence Bruins
- IceCats Barret Jackman named to 2001-2002 AHL All-Rookie Team - Worcester IceCats
- Arnason, Leighton Named to All-Rookie Team - Norfolk Admirals
- Phantoms/Habitat for Humanity pregame ceremony - Adirondack Phantoms
- Game Recap (Norfolk 3, Pens 2) - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
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