Undrafted, Dan Snyder (February 23, 1978 - October 5, 2003) was signed by the Thrashers as a free agent in 1999. During his time in the minor leagues, he was a member of the International Hockey League champion Orlando Solar Bears in 2000-2001, and the American Hockey League champion Chicago Wolves in 2001-2002. Called up to the majors, he scored 10 goals and four assists in 36 games with the Thrashers in the 2002-2003 season.
On September 29, 2003, Snyder was critically injured after the Ferrari 360 Modena being driven by his teammate Dany Heatley struck a wall along Atlanta's Lenox Road. Both players were ejected from the car, which was split in half by the force of the impact. Snyder suffered a fractured skull and internal brain injuries due to the rapid acceleration / deceleration incident. He lapsed into a coma following emergency surgery, and died six days later on October 5.
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DAN SNYDER MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award is given to the Chicago Wolves player who demonstrates the most outstanding dedication to Chicago-area community service each year.
Snyder was a dedicated member of the Chicago Wolves organization off the ice, making numerous appearances in the Chicago community and endearing himself to many of the fans who watched him on the ice and met him outside the arena. During off days, Snyder made frequent appearances at local libraries to talk to kids about reading through the Wolves "Read to Succeed" program. He also visited hospitals and appeared at other community events. Snyder set an example to be followed by future members of the team.
Snyder was just as dedicated on the ice, serving as team captain of his junior team and excelling through hard work as his career progressed. He made his NHL debut with the Atlanta Thrashers on April 3, 2001, against the Ottawa Senators before tallying two game-winning goals in the Turner Cup Finals for the Orlando Solar Bears, helping them to a 4-games-to-1 victory over the Chicago Wolves.As a member of the Wolves in 2001-02, Snyder continued to score at crucial times, tying an all-time AHL playoff record with five game-winning goals. With Snyder's help, the Wolves took home their first-ever Calder Cup Championship.
The Wolves keep Snyder's memory alive in various ways. A banner bearing his name hangs permanently from the rafters of the Allstate Arena, while the Wolves continue to raise money for charities associated with him.
You can help keep Dan Snyder's memory alive by purchasing a Dan Snyder wristband. Each burgundy wristband bears Snyder's name and No. 19, and is available for just $3. Proceeds from the wristbands, available exclusively at Wolves home games and events, benefit charities associated with Dan Snyder.
Sterling Named Wolves 2009-10 Dan Snyder Man Of The Year
Chicago Wolves left wing Brett Sterling has been named the team’s Dan Snyder Man of the Year in recognition of his commitment to service and the Chicagoland community.
The honor is given to a Wolves player each year in memory of Snyder, who passed away on Oct. 5, 2003, after suffering major head injuries in a car accident. Snyder spent two seasons with the Wolves (2001-2003) and helped the team earn the 2002 Calder Cup Championship.
Wolves Chairman of the Board Don Levin, Vice Chairman Buddy Meyers and General Manager Wendell Young presented STERLING with the award before the team's regular-season finale at the Allstate Arena on April 10, 2010.
“It is always refreshing when someone so successful on the ice is as successful off the ice,” said Vice President of Operations Courtney Mahoney. “Brett has a tremendous attitude and exhibits all the characteristics we look for in a contributor to the community. His attitude and enthusiasm reminds me a lot of Dan Snyder and I am really proud to give him this award.”
In his four years with the Wolves, STERLING has continually participated in Wolves community endeavors. This year, the Los Angeles native took it upon himself to begin a new community initiative with a local charity called Common Threads. Common Threads teaches low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals, hoping that their hands-on cooking classes help prevent childhood obesity and reverse the trend of generations of non-cookers. STERLING cooked with a class at Sheridan School and spent time talking with the students, learning about their backgrounds and sharing his experiences as a professional athlete.
In addition, STERLING visited the Children’s Memorial Hospital each month and played bingo with the patients. He handed out prizes, met with patients and signed autographs. The left-wing also has visited libraries throughout Chicagoland as part of the Wolves’ most successful educational program, “Read to Succeed.”
STERLING also participated in the Wolves fourth annual “Hockey for Her” event. The fundraising event allows Wolves female fans to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the team’s practice facility, as well as learn some of the finer points of hockey. STERLING hosted the room that focused on the shootout. His participation, and an auction item of lunch with him and a teammate, helped raise nearly $5,000 for Chicago Wolves Charities. STERLING also took part in the “Get Fed by the Wolves” fundraiser, where players act as waiters for the day to raise money.
The 25-year-old forward also was one of 29 finalists from around the league for the AHL’s 2009-10 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year, given annually to one player who exemplifies the commitment to service in their community.
Previous winners of the Dan Snyder Memorial Award include former Wolves left wing Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman (2008-09), defenseman Nathan Oystrick (2007-08), defenseman Brian Sipotz (2006-07), former left wing Karl Stewart (2004-05 and 2005-06) and former defenseman Kurtis Foster (2003-04).
Previous Winners
2008-09 Jordan LaVallee Read Story
2007-08 Nathan Oystrick Read Story
2006-07 Brian Sipotz Read Story
2005-06 Karl Stewart Read Story
2004-05 Karl Stewart
2003-04 Kurtis Foster
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