WAGNER NAMED COLORADO EAGLES 2022-23 IOA/AMERICAN SPECIALTY AHL MAN OF THE YEAR
May 2, 2023
The Colorado Eagles are proud to announce that Ryan Wagner has been named the team’s winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Loveland community during the 2022-23 season.
His tenacity on the ice is matched by his dedication to his community and fans. He has been a key figure in the locker room, following the departure of Captain Jayson Megna and continues to instill in the team the importance of community and fan engagement in the locker room.
Wagner’s commitment to the community was on full display during the Eagles annual Pot of Gold night, where the Eagles raise money for an individual and family going through major health and life challenges. Wagner was the key figure in making that night a success. Prior to the game, Wagner welcomed the family of seven-year-old Kennedy and nine-year-old Kinley Harrison of Arvada, Colorado to the ice and announced the team had kicked off the fundraising campaign with a $3,500 donation. With this donation, it started a night of giving, with a total amount of $120,413 being raised for the Harrisons. Wagner also spent time with the family post-game, bringing the girls out on the ice and talked, took pictures, and encouraging them as they go through the biggest challenge of their lives.
Additionally, Wagner, welcomed cancer warriors to a practice prior to the annual Eagles Fight Cancer night. After the game, they were greeted by Wagner on the ice to paint messages and chat with the Eagles assistant captain. Wagner and his fiancé also helped organize a fundraiser to raise money for the Larimer Humane Society including visits and a Pucks and Paws silent auction and fundraiser during a December home game.
Wagner’s love for his community is shown during the annual season ticket holder party and various team appearances where he constantly stays well after the closing bell to chat with fans and have meaningful interactions with fans of all ages.
Throughout each of his 3 seasons with the Colorado Eagles, Wagner has been a pillar in the community and has consistently used his platform to show compassion and support for those in need. His ability to connect with others on a personal level have allowed him to make a tremendous impact on charitable organizations and individuals in Northern Colorado.
Wagner is now one of 32 finalists for the AHL’s 2022-23 Yanick Dupré Memorial Award, honoring the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The winner of the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award will be announced by the American Hockey League on Thursday, May 5.
