Zinger Named Pirates 2003-2004 American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year

Published on March 30, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME – The Portland Pirates are proud to announce that defenseman Dwayne Zinger has been named the Pirates' winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the greater Portland community and charitable organizations during the 2003-04 season.

For the second consecutive year, Zinger and his wife, Erica, took part in the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund, an annual drive put on by the Portland Press Herald, and one of the core community efforts of the Portland Pirates Foundation. The fund provides toys at Christmas to children who would otherwise go without. Zinger spent time packing toys for shipment to the children in the week leading up to Christmas.

Zinger is also active in the promotion of youth hockey in the greater Portland area. He took part in several youth hockey practices, working with players as young as Mites to hone their skills and encourage their appreciation for the game.

The native of Coronation, Alberta is also the Pirates' liaison to Hockey Ministries International. He arranges for weekly chapel services for the Pirates throughout the season. The Pirates regularly draw as many as eight players to the service, making it one of the most well-attended services in the AHL.

Zinger also takes a lead role among Pirates players in the team's annual charity event, the Evening with the Pirates, yet another community effort of the Pirates Foundation. He has coordinated player involvement in the event and this year, served as a model for the event's fashion show.

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

Zinger is now one of 28 finalists for the 2003-04 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year. The league award, named after the former Hershey Bears forward who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia, will be presented during the Calder Cup 2004 Final.

The Pirates will host two home games this weekend. On Friday, they host the Worcester IceCats at 7:05 p.m. On Saturday, it's "Hockey Night in Portland" as the Pirates welcome the Providence Bruins at 7:05 p.m.

The Pirates now offer a $6 ticket for all remaining home games. They are on sale at the Civic Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets may be ordered by phone at (207) 775-3458, (207) 775-3331 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 30, 2004


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