Jeremy Peter, reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer, wrote an article on HP4K’s efforts in Cincinnati in March 2009.

To read the full text on the ECHL’s website, click here.

On March 26, 2009, Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced that Mike Moore was named the team’s winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Worcester community during the 2008-09 season.

“Mike, a first year professional and former volunteer fire fighter, has taken the initiative to go above and beyond in regards to community outreach and has established himself as a leader in the Worcester community,” said Lehr.

During the 08-09 season, Mike became the spokesperson for the Worcester Sharks flagship community program, “Be a Leader.” He took the lead at ten assemblies to more than 3,000 students throughout central Massachusetts and has endeared himself to local educators.

Some of his other 2008-09 achievements include:

• Organizing and executing the “Give Moore for the Holidays” toy drive
• Taking the lead at ten “Be a Leader” assemblies, presented to more than 3,000 students
• Participating in six “Reading is Cool” appearances in more than 16 classrooms
• Making several visits to Worcester area hospitals
• Instructing two Worcester Sharks Street Brigades (street hockey clinics)
• Appearing in more than twenty Team Community Appearances

In recognition of his efforts, Mike was presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation, prior to a Sharks home game.

The South Carolina Stingrays awarded the first annual “Jerry Zucker Community Service Award” to Spencer Carbery on March 21, 2009. This award commemorates a Stingrays player who has displayed a dedication to community service and a commitment to helping those in need. The memorial award is in honor of former Stingrays owner, Jerry Zucker, who possessed a passion for philanthropy throughout his life. Jerry passed away in April 2008 from complications from brain cancer.

The award recognized Spencer’s actions in the Charleston community, including his weekly appearances at the Ronald McDonald House, visiting with families whose children are sick and pitching in wherever the staff needs him. Spencer was also commended for the ticket sharing program he initiated, where members of the Stingrays can donate their tickets to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2009, HP4K members Jamie Coghlan, Jake Dietrich and Dustin Sproat made their first visit to the YMCA afterschool program at Pleasant Ridge Montessori in Cincinnati, Ohio. While the students—ranging from junior kindergarten to grade 6—were introduced to the game of hockey, the main focus of the day was sportsmanship and team play.

Basic hockey fundamentals, relay races, a few games of ball hockey, and lots of picture-taking were all part of the action. The afternoon was a blast, and the guys look forward to continuing a relationship with CincyAfterSchool. HP4K would also like to thank CincyAfterSchool Coordinator Angela Grunkemeyer, volunteers Brandon and Jaclyn, and all of the staff for their help throughout the day.