AHL Syracuse Crunch

Zenon Konopka Named Syracuse Crunch's 2007-08 American Specialty/AHL Man Of The Year

Published on March 27, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse, NY - The Syracuse Crunch are proud to announce that center Zenon Konopka has been named the team's winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Syracuse community during the 2007-08 season.

Konopka's tireless on-ice efforts have carried over into the community with over 30 appearances this season, including multiple visits to children's hospitals and Ronald McDonald House. His two Labatt Celebrity Bartending appearances raised over $1,700 for multiple charities. Konopka has fully embraced the Syracuse community and become a beloved member of the Crunch organization.

As the captain of the team, Konopka was instrumental in helping the organization complete one of its busiest seasons in the community relations department, with over 200 player appearances for various autograph signings, youth hockey practices, hospital visits and charity events.

Since coming over in a trade last season, Konopka has quickly endeared himself to Crunch fans with his work ethic on the ice and personal presence off the ice. Always engaging with Crunch fans, the 27-year old native of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario is in his sixth professional season. In 275 career AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Utah, Cincinnati, Portland and Syracuse, Konopka has tallied 83 goals and 123 assists.

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

Konopka is now one of 29 finalists for the AHL's 2007-08 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. The winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award will be announced by the AHL in the coming weeks.

The Crunch's next game is Friday, March 28 vs. Albany at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473- 4444, stopping by 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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