As the regular season winds down, awards season fires up. This past week one member of the Columbus Blue Jackets and two members of the Cleveland Monsters earned awards.
Nick Foligno
For the third time in five years, Nick Foligno earned the Community MVP Award from the Columbus Blue Jackets. This award is to recognize a players service work within the community.
Foligno has a laundry list of things he has done for the cities of Columbus, Sudbury, and Boston. Most of his fundraising efforts have gone to pediatric facilities in those cities.
He’s even made a fundraiser out of his on-ice performance. For every goal Foligno scores, $500 is pledged to the Janis Foligno Foundation.
He was also nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy. This award is given the NHL player who has exhibited qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey throughout the 2018-19 season.
There is no doubt Foligno is the embodiment of perseverance. Between his daughter’s heart problems and his son’s collapsed lung, the season has been rough for Foligno. The fact he was able to get through all of this and stay mentally sane is quite amazing.
Through all of the struggles Foligno faced this season he still managed to lay it all on the ice every night he played. Despite the stress, Foligno played a clean game and only lost his cool when it came to defending the Blue Jackets.
He definitely has earned the right to nominated for this prestigious award.
Zac Dalpe
Zac Dalpe was named the AHL Forward of the Month and AHL player of the week.
In the month of March, Dalpe played in 12 games notching 12 goals, four assists, and a phenomenal +12 rating.
On Friday, March 29th, Dalpe had a four point night with a hat trick and an assist. This wasn’t his first multi-point night. Dalpe kicked the month of March off with two goals and an assist on March 1st.
But wait! There’s more!
Dalpe is currently on a nine-game point streak. As well as, just finished a six-game goal streak.
Needless to say, Dalpe had quite the month.
Doyle Somerby
Doyle Somerby was named the Cleveland Monsters’ IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year.
Each team picks a player who has done outstanding work contributing to the community and charitable organizations. From there, the American Hockey League will choose one person to be the winner of the 2018-19 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award.
Somerby is a great pick for the Man of the Year award. Back in October, Somerby wore something pink every day to help raise breast cancer awareness. As well as, raised $11,636 for the American Cancer Society. During his fundraising efforts, Somerby made a friend in long-time Monsters fan, Roberta Pennington, who is battling cancer.
He also participated in the team’s Movember fundraising efforts.
One of the best things about Somerby is the fact he rarely says no when it comes to community activities. He can be seen at every hospital visit and meeting with fans after the game. I strongly believe Somerby would do anything for Monsters fans and the city of Cleveland. He has a true heart of gold.