The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Stacey Bauman of the Oklahoma City Blazers has been named the 2007-08 Central Hockey League Man of the Year. The award is selected by the CHL front office based on nominations and supporting materials from member clubs.
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'. In his fifth pro season, Bauman has been a staple in every community he has played in donating his time and resources to many youth causes including working with Life Church's children's ministries and assisting with Oklahoma City's Youth Hockey "Kids-First". The Hanover, Ontario native is one of the busiest Blazers with team functions such as school appearances, hospital visits and other various events. Additionally, when the team's schedule permits, Bauman conducts chapel services for the Oklahoma University men's hockey team.
Blazers Associate Head Coach Chris Dashney coached Bauman in Lubbock from 2004 to 2007 and has seen firsthand his commitment to off-ice activities.
"It is remarkable how Stacey maintains his energy on and off the ice," said Dashney. "His commitment to helping others is why I feel he plays professional hockey. It gives him a platform to be of service to other people."
On an international level, Stacey is a major donor and supporter of Love 146 (www.love146.org), a registered public charity founded in 2002 working towards the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through prevention and aftercare.
On the ice, Bauman is a steady defenseman who has played more than 200 CHL games in his career seeing action with Lubbock and Oklahoma City.
The CHL Outstanding Defenseman award and Most Outstanding Goaltender award will be announced on Friday, March 21st and the CHL Most Valuable Player
recipient will be announced on Monday, March 24th.
