Worcester Players Receive Recognition in Pre-Game Ceremony

April 5, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA - Before the face-off of this evening's American Hockey League (AHL) game with Worcester hosting the Manchester Monarchs, several IceCats were honored for their achievements during the 2001-2002 season.

Rookie of the Year-Barret Jackman--> Selected by the St. Louis Blues with their first choice, 17th overall in the 1999 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, defenseman Barret Jackman is this year's recipient of the IceCats Rookie of the Year Award. Born in Trail, British Columbia, Jackman was recently named to the 2002 AHL All-Rookie Team, becoming the first IceCat to be bestowed with that honor. Throughout the season, his plus/minus rating has been among the best on the IceCats squad, in the field of AHL defensemen and all AHL rookies. The 21-year-old has established himself as a solid punishing body-checker, registering a team-high 264 penalty minutes. Jackman has recorded two goals, 12 assists and a plus/minus rating of +18 in 72 games: 72(2/12/14)+18.

Most Improved Player-Marc Brown--> In his third season with the IceCats, left winger Marc Brown has overcome numerous injuries to make a large impact on the IceCats offense this season. Last Saturday night in the IceCats 5-0 win over Providence, he potted his career high 30th goal of the season. With a pair of assists on Wednesday, the White Rock, British Columbia native also registered career highs in assists (25) and points (55). Signed as a free agent in September of 1999, Brown is fourth on the IceCats in overall scoring and leads the team with 285 shots

Seven Hills Seventh Player-Jeff Panzer--> This award is bestowed to a player that has gone beyond expectations and played a larger role than anticipated. This season, rookie Jeff Panzer fit that mold. A two-time Hobey Baker finalist as college hockey's top player, Panzer has established himself as the IceCats all-time leading rookie scorer. The University of North Dakota graduate has potted 25 goals and 26 assists this season. Among those 25 goals are seven power play tallies, three short-handers, and five game-winners.

Most Valuable Player-Eric Boguniecki--> It is fitting that the IceCats Most Valuable Player was also recognized this morning with the 2002 Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's MVP. Forward Eric Boguniecki has been pacing the IceCats in overall points since the onset of the season. Currently, he is leading the League with 38 goals and is just two points off the League leader for the AHL's overall scoring title. The Connecticut native has established new IceCats franchise records for goals (38), assists (44) and overall points (82). The 2002 AHL PlanetUSA All-Star was recently named to the 2002 AHL First All-Star Team. The former University of New Hampshire product is in the midst of a 10 game point-scoring streak.

'Cat of the Year-Reinhard Divis--> This prestigious award is given to the Worcester player who performs every game with an intensity that characterizes IceCats hockey. He represents his team extremely well off the ice and commands the respect of his peers on the ice and in the dressing room. Goaltender Reinhard Divis has been selected as the 'Cat of the Year. The Vienna, Austria native has been a staple in the IceCats net this season, including a record setting 19 consecutive starts between the pipes for the IceCats. He has posted 28 wins, including three shutouts. Divis was the starting goaltender for the 2002 Austrian Olympic Team.

Roy L.M. Boe Community Service Award-Ed Campbell --> Given to the player that best exemplifies the greatest commitment to the Greater Worcester Community. Captain Ed Campbell captured that spirit and was honored with that annual IceCats award. The Westboro, native constantly made himself available for countless school visits and various charity events throughout the season. The IceCats Captain was also instrumental in influencing other players to take part in various community activities beyond those expected. He initiated several visits, including, most recently, arranging for several team members to visit UMass Memorial Hospital donating baskets of candy and IceCats goodies to pediatric patients.

Plus/Minus Leader-Undetermined--> With three games remaining, Eric Boguniecki and Eric Nickulas are neck-and-neck for this award. Plus/minus is a statistical category that earns a plus for a player that is on the ice for an even strength or shorthanded goal. A minus is charged to a player that is on the ice for an even strength or shorthanded goal against. Boguniecki is +23 through 60 games and Nickulas is +22 through 51 games.

Allmerica/Sports Alive Home Goals Leader-Eric Boguniecki--> With two home games remaining, forward Eric Boguniecki leads the charge with 25 lamp-lighters coming on Worcester's Centrum Centre ice. Allmerica Financial donates $100 for each goal scored at all home games. The IceCats have scored a total of 125 goals at home so far this season. Since the 1995-96 season, Allmerica has contributed over $100,000 to Sports Alive.

Atchue Brothers Three Stars Leader-Eric Boguniecki--> After each game three stars are selected. Eric Boguniecki has earned 10 number one-star nominations, two two-star nominations and five three-star nominations to capture the Atchue Brothers Three Stars Leader Award.



American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2002


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