The CHL has Named Its Man Of The Year And Rick Kozuback Awards - The Winners Are Riley Nelson And Marco Pietroniro

To advertise click here.

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - The recipients of the Central Hockey League’s Man of the Year and Rick Kozuback awards have been determined, selected by the CHL front office based on nominations and supporting materials from member clubs. Colorado Eagles center Riley Nelson has been named the CHL’s Man of the Year after receiving strong consideration for the award the past several seasons, while Arizona Sundogs Head Coach Marco Pietroniro will receive the Rick Kozuback Award.

The CHL Man of the Year award is ‘presented 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’, and Nelson has been a champion of many causes during his four seasons of play with the Eagles. Nelson has made appearances at numerous hospitals and schools not only to promote the Eagles, but to prove that hard work and dedication will help individuals accomplish their goals. He has met with the sheriffs of both Weld and Larimer counties promoting the Budweiser "Good Sport" program which encourages designated drivers, both at the Budweiser Events Center and throughout Northern Colorado. Nelson has also been very influential in the Colorado Eagles Foundation fundraising campaign to build Inspiration Playground, a universally-accessible playground for children of all abilities.

"This award is very deserving for Riley," said Eagles Vice President and Head Coach Chris Stewart. "As an ambassador for the Eagles and the sport of hockey, Riley is on another level." The Cranbrook, British Columbia native has been voted second for "Most Gentlemanly Player" in the CHL's Best of the Best Poll the past two seasons, and is one of six finalists for the CHL’s Most Valuable Player award to be announced on Monday, March 26th. Nelson scored his career high 40th goal of the season last night, now sharing the CHL lead with Arizona’s Brent Kelly.

The Rick Kozuback award, honoring the original President of the Western Professional Hockey League and current President/CEO of Global Entertainment Corporation (the CHL’s parent company), is ‘presented annually to the Central Hockey League owner, front office staff member, coach or player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, determination and commitment to the game, sport and business of hockey.’ Arizona’s Pietroniro joined the expansion Sundogs in August of 2005, 14 months prior to their first game, and immediately began leading by example with active and committed involvement in local community efforts, from both charitable and educational standpoints.

With the creation of the Arizona Sundogs Foundation and its community programs, Pietroniro has made good on his promise that a chief focus and requirement of all Sundogs athletes is to assist in enhancing the quality of life in Northern Arizona. Pietroniro also implemented the Sundogs Youth Hockey Program, beginning with the involvement of 55 youngsters aged 6 to 18. “Having witnessed first hand the major and significant impact that the Sundogs organization has had in Northern Arizona, not only on but perhaps more importantly off the ice, Marco Pietroniro is highly deserving of this recognition,” said Kozuback. Pietroniro and his wife Caroline are the proud parents of five boys, aged 4 to 12, all involved in various levels of hockey themselves.

Additional upcoming CHL award recipients to be announced include the Rookie of the Year honoree (later today) as well as the Most Outstanding Defenseman and Most Outstanding Goaltender winners on Friday. The CHL Most Valuable Player recipient will be announced Monday, March 26th, along with the winner of the Joe Burton Scoring Champion award. Already announced earlier this week were the recipients of the CHL Athletic Trainer of the Year (Youngstown’s Mike Ermatinger), CHL Equipment Manager of the Year (Oklahoma City’s Brandon Rose) and CHL Coach of the Year (Memphis’ Kevin McClelland) awards, along with both the 2006-2007 All-CHL and All-Rookie teams.