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.
Machacek Named Wolves 2010-11 Dan Snyder Man Of The Year
Chicago Wolves right wing Spencer Machacek has been named the team’s Dan Snyder Man of the Year in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the Chicagoland community during the 2010-11 season.
The award is given to a Wolves player each season 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 from 2001 to 2003, and helped the team capture the 2002 Calder Cup Championship.
Wolves Chairman of the Board Don Levin, Vice Chairman Buddy Meyers and General Manager Wendell Young presented MACHACEK with the award before the team faced the Rockford IceHogs in their 2010-11 regular-season finale at the Allstate Arena.
“Spencer brings the same energy and enthusiasm to community endeavors that he exhibits on the ice every game,” said Senior Vice President of Operations Courtney Mahoney. “His energy is infectious and reminiscent of Dan Snyder’s. He is always a pleasure to work with and is very deserving of this award.”
In his three years with the Wolves, MACHACEK has participated in multiple community endeavors, from hospital visits, to library visits, to speaking at Faith and Fellowship night, and has done so with enthusiasm. This year, he made several visits to local libraries as part of the Wolves “Read to Succeed” program, which has reached more than 500,000 children in 16 seasons. He also volunteered to visit with patients at local hospitals, and served as the player emcee for the live auction at the team’s annual “Get Fed By The Wolves” event, which raised more than $16,000 for Chicago Wolves Charities.
The 22-year-old forward often went above and beyond to assist the team’s community initiatives, offering to paint his helmet pink for Breast Cancer Awareness night, in addition to using a pink stink. He also served as a speaker at this year’s Faith and Fellowship night, and stayed to answer questions about his faith and sign autographs for fans well after the event concluded.
MACHACEK was also one of 30 finalists from around the league for the AHL’s 2010-11 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, which honors the overall American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year and is given annually to one player who exemplifies a commitment to service in their community.
Previous winners of the Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award include former players Brett Sterling (2009-10), Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman (2008-09), Nathan Oystrick (2007-08), Brian Sipotz (2006-07), Karl Stewart (2005-06 and 2004-05) and Kurtis Foster (2003-04).
Previous Winners
2009-10 Brett Sterling Read Story
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
