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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Sugden Named American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year Award

April 5, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse, NY (April 5, 2005) - The Syracuse Crunch are proud to announce that Brandon Sugden has been named the Crunch's winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Syracuse community and charitable organizations during the 2004-05 season.

In his two years in Syracuse, Brandon has won the hearts of all with his endless hours of community service, both in the city of Syracuse and the surrounding communities.

Brandon has become a spokesperson for the annual charity event to benefit the Crunch Foundation. At the end of the 2003-04 season he helped lead his teammates at the "Crunch at Your Service" Celebrity Waiters Dinner on February 23, 2004. Dressing as a waiter and performing crazy antics, Brandon and the Crunch were able to raise over $18,000 to help benefit local charities.

Brandon has visited local schools and youth hockey events throughout the season, giving talks and raising awareness of drug and alcohol abuse, often drawing on examples from his own past.

He participates heavily in the "Crunch into Reading" program throughout the CNY community and often approaches the public relations department about setting up additional appearances. He participated in the Special Olympics Games that took place in Syracuse this February.

Always ready to help the local business's Brandon never says no for a player appearance, Brandon has appeared at over 20 local businesses, signing autographs and making the customers feel welcomed.

Brandon also has worked a number of youth activities this season, including appearances at Skaneateles Activity Center and Syracuse Crunch on-ice clinics.

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

Sugden 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.

Syracuse returns to action tonight against Manitoba. Game time is 8:30 p.m. (E.S.T.). The Crunch hosts Rochester on Saturday, April 9. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444, at the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling TicketMaster at (315) 472-0700.

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