Stafford named Phantoms' AHL Man of the Year
April 5, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(PHILADELPHIA, April 5, 2005) - The Philadelphia Phantoms are proud to announce that forward Ben Stafford has been named the winner of the team's American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Philadelphia community and charitable organizations during the 2004-05 season.
Stafford, who was also named the Phantoms' AHL Man of the Year in 2002-03, made his mark this year by becoming the Phantoms' representative on the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Muscle Team. Organized to recruit top athletes from the Delaware Valley to put their muscle behind the search to find a cure for neuromuscular disease, the Muscle Team had two events that Stafford participated in, which allowed him to spend time with several MDA families & kids and help raise money for the important cause.
In addition, he joined his teammates for a room-to-room visit at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on Dec. 7 and ran a Phantoms Player Clinic in Voorhees, N.J. on Dec. 8. Stafford also made appearances at Whitman Elementary School in Turnersville, N.J. on Dec. 3; at DeMasi Middle School in Marlton, N.J. on Jan. 26; and at John Glenn Elementary School in Pine Hill, N.J. on March 1.
"I've been here for three years and the entire organization is remarkably committed to community service," said Stafford, who starred at Yale University from 1997-2001. "It is a concerted effort, year in and year out, to give thanks to the fans in the Philadelphia area. This year, I worked with the Muscular Dystrophy team and got to know a nice young man and spent a couple of evenings with him and it was just a great experience. He is a bright young kid, and it was great getting to know him. That just makes it extra special."
In recognition of his efforts, Stafford will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to the Phantoms' last regular-season home game on Sunday, April 17.
Stafford is now one of 28 finalists for the 2004-05 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia.
The Phantoms are home at the Wachovia Spectrum this Friday at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. against the Albany River Rats.
Tickets to all Phantoms home games are $19, $18 and $14 for adults, and $8 for all children 14 and under, and are available now at the Wachovia Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations throughout the Delaware Valley. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling (215) 336-2000, (856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Contact the Phantoms office at 215-465-4522 or log on to www.phantomshockey.com for information.
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