Willis Named Falcons' AHL Man of the Year
April 5, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass. â The Springfield Falcons are proud to announce that Shane Willis has been named the Falcons' winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Springfield community and charitable organizations during the 2004-05 season.
Willis, 27, not only led the Falcons on the ice during the 2004-05 season as the team's captain, but also led by example in the Springfield community. The native of Sylvan Lake, Alberta donated 10 tickets for every Falcons' home game to underprivileged children through various non-profit groups as part of his "Captain's Kids" program. During the season, he worked with organizations such as Gray House, New England Center for Change, Springfield Police Youth Athletic Association, the Transitional Living Program at Stony Hill as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs in Chicopee, Westfield, and West Springfield to enable many children to enjoy Falcons' games who would not otherwise be able to do so. Willis not only provided the children with tickets, but visited with them after each game. Willis made such a positive impression that he was invited to be the guest speaker at the Westfield Boys and Girls Club Annual Award Banquet.
In addition to "Captain's Kids", Willis has visited children in local hospitals and has made several appearances at area schools to participate in the "Time Out for Reading" program this season.
In recognition of his efforts, Willis will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming Falcons' home game.
Willis is now one of the 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.
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