Tulsa's Ben Gordon Nominated as CHL Man of the Year Finalist
March 19, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release
GLENDALE, AZ - The Central Hockey League announced today the five finalists for the CHL Man of the Year Award and Tulsa Oilers forward Ben Gordon is one of the players in the running for this distinguished honor. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 25.
The CHL Man of the Year award is "Ëpresented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to have best exemplified strong leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworthy humanitarian contributions to his community'.
In addition to leading the Oilers with 83 points this season, Gordon has been a tremendous ambassador in the community over the last two seasons. This year, the Minnesota native has visited several local elementary schools to speak to kids about a variety of topics including health and nutrition, the importance of hard work and education, and about pursuing a passion. Always engaging and entertaining, the Minnesota native is able to connect with kids on their level and never passes up an opportunity to share his love and knowledge of the game of hockey.
Last season Gordon was the recipient of the Oilers' Community Service Award and this season, the 29-year old has continued to make an impact on the community and a positive impression on everyone he meets.
"Ben is a respected leader in our dressing room and a great representative of our organization," remarked Bruce Ramsay, Oilers Head Coach. "In two short seasons, Ben has touched a lot of lives and I can't think of anyone more deserving for the CHL Man of the Year Award."
On a calendar shoot last season to benefit children with cancer, Ben was introduced to B.W., a four-year old boy battling leukemia. Since that time, Ben and his wife Maile, have been in constant contact with B.W. and his family. Ben has invited B.W. to several games this season and has also presented B.W. with autographed sticks and other Oilers merchandise. The two are best buddies and their relationship is a perfect example of the giving, compassionate spirit that Ben possesses.
Gordon, who finished second in the voting for "Best Overall Player" and "Most Valuable To His Team" in the annual CHL Best-of-the-Best poll, is also a finalist for CHL Most Valuable Player.
The other players selected for the award are listed below:
Man of the Year Finalists:
Sebastian Geoffrion, Arizona
Calin Wild, Brampton
Sean Zimmerman, Denver
Ben Gordon, Tulsa
RG Flath, Wichita
CHL Man of the Year (previous winners, since 2001)
2013 - Travis Wight (Wichita)
2012 - Riley Weselowski (Rapid City)
2011 - Simon Watson (Missouri)
2010 - Justin Quenneville (Corpus Christi)
2009 - Austin Sutter (Amarillo)
2008 - Stacey Bauman (Oklahoma City)
2007 - Riley Nelson (Colorado)
2006 - Paul Fioroni (Lubbock)
2005 - Paul Fioroni (Lubbock)
2004 - Don Parsons (Memphis)
2003 - Anthony Donskov (Lubbock)
2002 - Scott Hillman (Odessa)
Central Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2014
- Americans Erupt Late for 6-3 Win over Thunder - Allen Americans
- Mallards Overcome Chill 4-1 - Quad City Mallards
- Chill Battle to End in 4-1 Loss - St. Charles Chill
- Rush Garner CHL "Best of the Best" Awards - Rapid City Rush
- Tulsa's Ben Gordon Nominated as CHL Man of the Year Finalist - Tulsa Oilers
- Wichita's Flath Selected as CHL Man of the Year Finalist - Wichita Thunder
- Lavoie Cleans up in Rookie Votes - Allen Americans
- CHL Man of the Year Finalists Announced - CHL
- Thunder Takes Five First Place Honors in 2013-14 Best-Of-The-Best Poll - Wichita Thunder
- Thunder Takes Five First Place Honors in 2013-14 Best-Of-The-Best - Wichita Thunder
- CHL Man of the Year Finalists Announced - CHL
- Tommy Daniels Named CHL's Best Broadcaster in the Best of the Best Awards - Allen Americans
- Denver Cutthroats Top Notch in Seven of the CHL's "Best of the Best" Categories - Denver Cutthroats
- Oilers Recognized in CHL's Best-Of-The-Best Poll - Tulsa Oilers
- Ruskowski, Mallards Among CHL's Best of the Best - Quad City Mallards
- Sundogs Named 11 Times in CHL's Best of the Best Poll - Arizona Sundogs
- Williams, Latos Highlight Thunder Alumni Roster for Saturday's Game - Wichita Thunder
- Mavericks Place 1st in Thirteen CHL 'Best of the Best' Categories - Kansas City Mavericks
- 2013-14 CHL âÃâ¬ÃËBest of the Best' Results Announced - CHL
- Rush Bracket Challenge: Head to Head with Mark Binetti - Rapid City Rush
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