ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s IceCaps chief operating officer Glenn Stanford has been named the American Hockey League’s executive of the year, having won the James C. Hendy Memorial Award.
The award is handed out annually by the AHL to the league executive who has made the most outstanding contribution to the AHL. The prize is named after the late Jim Hendy, who made numerous contributions to the AHL during his time as general manager of the Cleveland Barons.
“I want to congratulate Glenn on this well-deserved recognition,” said Danny Williams, IceCaps president and chief executive officer in a news release issued by the team. “When I put our organization in place, I knew that Glenn’s extensive experience would be a great asset in getting the new team up and running. Working with his entire team in the head office, Glenn has produced solid results with an inaugural season of which everyone is so proud to have been a part.”
Glenn Stanford (left) accepts the James C. Hendy Memorial Award from AHL president Dave Andrews. Photo by St. John%27s IceCaps
Stanford played a crucial role in the off-ice success of the IceCaps during the 2011-12 AHL season. It was not until June 10, 2011 that the Winnipeg Jets announced they would move their AHL affiliate to St. John’s, giving Stanford and Williams little time to secure local business partnerships, plan marketing campaigns and begin season-ticket drives.
However, by the time the regular season began in October, the IceCaps off-ice operations were running like a well-oiled machine. The team went on to enjoy 46 consecutive sellouts during the regular season and playoffs.
Stanford also played a major part in securing 35 corporate sponsorships from businesses and organizations in the City of St. John’s, while leading the way as the team donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities through IceCaps Care.
This marks the second time Stanford has been honoured by the AHL for his efforts. In 2002 he won the James C. Hendy Memorial Award for his work with the St. John’s Maple Leafs. He is one of only three people to ever win the award on multiple occasions.
Jason King re-signs
IceCaps fans are thrilled to know local favourite Jason King will return to the team next season.
King, a native of Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador and the only provincially-born regular with the IceCaps last year, has signed a new AHL contract with the team. The 30-year-old winger had 22 goals, 19 assists and 41 points in 70 regular season games in 2011-12, before adding two goals, two assists and four points in 15 playoff contests.
King was a fan favourite at Mile One Centre, the home rink of the IceCaps, and in the community of St. John’s. He was named the team’s AHL Man of the Year for his lasting and exceptional contributions to the community, which included regular visits to a local children’s hospital and elementary schools.
Meech signs two-way deal
IceCaps fans got just a glimpse of Derek Meech last season, but they definitely liked what they saw from the veteran defenseman. Depending on what happens in the Jets’ training camp this fall, St. John’s fans might see a whole lot more of Meech in the 2012-13 campaign.
Meech has signed a two-way contract with the Jets, meaning he will likely start the season in St. John’s if he does not make Winnipeg’s roster out of training camp. Meech joined St. John’s late in the 11-12 campaign, after missing most of the season with a serious knee injury.
The 28-year-old played only six regular season games with the IceCaps, but did appear in all 15 of the club’s playoff games. He was instrumental in helping the team reach the Eastern Conference final, serving as the IceCaps top defenseman in both the offensive and defensive zones. He registered four goals and five assists in the postseason and is expected to now challenge for a roster spot with the Jets.
DeSantis will not return next season
Jason DeSantis has decided to try his luck with another NHL organization and will not return to the IceCaps next year.
The smooth skating, hard shooting defenseman provided plenty of offense from the blue line last season, picking up 11 goals, 32 assists and 43 points in 66 games. He finished second among AHL defenseman in power play goals with eight and third in power play points with 28.
DeSantis began the season as the IceCaps seventh defenseman and was regularly scratched from the lineup in the early goings of the 11-12 campaign. However, after the team went through a rash of injuries and call-ups to the parent club in Winnipeg, DeSantis took advantage of the opportunity and earned a regular spot in the lineup.
He recently signed a two-way contract with the Florida Panthers. If he fails to make the Panthers roster, DeSantis is expected to begin the 12-13 season with the club’s AHL affiliate in San Antonio.
Goaltender leaves town
It appears David Aebischer has played his last game for the St. John’s IceCaps. Aebischer began the 11-12 season as the IceCaps number one goalie. However, he never quite lived up to the hype that came with being a former starter in the NHL and a former Stanley Cup champion during his days as a backup net minder to Patrick Roy while the two played with the Colorado Avalanche.
Aebischer really struggled to find his form after Christmas and watched as Edward Pasquale took over the No. 1 job with steady, and sometimes spectacular, play down the stretch drive. In 31 games with St. John’s, Aebischer went 15-12-2 with a 2.86 goals-against-average and a .895 save percentage. He did not start any of the team’s 15 playoff games.
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