AHL Chicago Wolves

Sterling Named Wolves 2009-10 American Specialty/AHL Man On The Year

March 25, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release


Chicago Wolves left wing BRETT STERLING has been named the team's 2009-10 American Specialty/American Hockey League Man of the Year. One player from each AHL team has been recognized for his outstanding commitments to the Chicagoland community during the 2009-10 season.

In his four years with the Wolves, STERLING has continually participated in Wolves community endeavors. This year, the Los Angeles native took it upon himself to find a new community initiative with a local charity called Common Threads. Common Threads teaches low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals, hoping that their hands-on cooking classes help prevent childhood obesity and reverse the trend of generations of non-cookers. STERLING cooked with a class at Sheridan School and spent time talking with the students, learning about their backgrounds and sharing his experiences as a professional athlete.

In addition, STERLING visited the Children's Memorial Hospital each month and played bingo with the patients. He handed out prizes, met with patients and signed autographs. The left-wing also has visited libraries throughout Chicagoland as part of the Wolves' most successful educational program, "Read to Succeed."

STERLING also participated in the Wolves fourth annual "Hockey for Her" event. The fundraising event allows Wolves female fans to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the team's practice facility, as well as learn some of the finer points of hockey. STERLING hosted the room that focused on the finer points of a shootout. His participation, and an auction item of lunch with him and a teammate, helped raise nearly $5,000 for Chicago Wolves Charities. STERLING also took part in the "Get Fed by the Wolves" fundraiser, where players act as waiters for the day to raise money.

In recognition of his efforts, STERLING will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to the Wolves game on Sat., April 10.

The 25-year-old forward is now one of 29 finalists for the AHL's 2009-10 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The winner will be announced by the league in the coming weeks. Chicago has had a player receive league-wide honors for community service four times in the 16-year history of the franchise.

The league award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, a former AHL All-Star who passed away in 1997 at the age of 24, following a 16-month battle with leukemia. Dupre played four seasons with the Hershey Bears (1992-1996), registering 169 points (70G, 99A) in 207 games. He also played in 35 National Hockey League contests with the Philadelphia Flyers.

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