HOUSTON - The Houston Aeros are proud to announce that center Mark Cullen has been named the Aeros’ 2002-2003 American Specialty/HG Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. The award honors Mark Cullen for his commitment to the Houston community and charitable organizations throughout the course of the season.



Cullen spoke at several schools about the importance of an education. “Mark was great with the kids. The kids really relate to him and he makes the talks interesting,” said Jill Jendrzey, Aeros Community Programs Manager. Cullen spoke about his own academic experiences at the schools. He graduated from Colorado College in four years with a degree in economics. His senior season, he was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Student-Athlete of the Year.



Cullen visited Texas Children’s Hospital during the holiday season. He also signed autographs at the Special Olympics Carnival, a fundraiser for Special Olympics. The first-year pro participated in Athletes for Art, a Houston-area non-profit organization, which matches athletes with artists to raise awareness for the arts. Cullen also participated in several Houston Aeros Charities events.



In recognition of his efforts, Cullen will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming home game.



Cullen is now a finalist for the AHL’s 2002-2003 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall American Specialty/HG Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. One player will be selected from the 28 individual team award winners to be honored during the Calder Cup 2003 Finals as the 2002-2003 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award winner. Last year’s winner was Aeros defenseman Travis Roche. Roche donated $4,000 to Kids Unlimited, a non-profit organization that benefits children with cancer and their families.



The Yanick Dupre Memorial Award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, who passed away in August of 1997 at the age of 24, following a 16-month battle with leukemia. Dupre played four seasons with the Hershey Bears (1992-96) registering 169 points (70-99) in 207 AHL games. He also played in 35 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.



American Specialty is the industry leader in providing risk services for the sports and entertainment fields. HG Insurance Services, Inc., is a full-service, national brokerage specializing in sports, entertainment and program business.