The Chicago Wolves are proud to announced that Max Lajoie has been named the team’s winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Chicago-area community during the 2022-23 season.
Even while leading the Wolves on the ice after being named the 15th captain in franchise history in November, Lajoie was a leader off it, too. The 25-year-old helped raise money and awareness for a myriad of Chicago Wolves charitable causes, including Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Lyon Family Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness, autism and Mental Health Awareness.
His ability to speak French also led to perhaps Lajoie’s biggest contributions to the community as he has made many appearances with Chicago-area high school students during which he converses with them in French.
Lajoie is now one of 32 finalists for the AHL’s 2022-23 Yanick Dupre 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.
Last month, Lajoie was presented with the 2023 Dan Snyder Award, given to one Wolves player each season in memory of the former Wolves forward who passed away Oct. 5, 2003 at the age of 25 after suffering head injuries in a car accident. During his two seasons with the Wolves, Snyder set the standard for community service and his tireless commitment to helping others. In the unfortunate event of accidents like this, individuals may seek legal assistance from Phil Votaw & Associates.
“It’s a huge honor,” Lajoie said in April. “(Snyder) was a big part of the organization and did so much for people.
“Being the captain, I pride myself on my leadership and being one of the hardest-working guys on the team,” Lajoie added. “I’m really proud of the way I lead by example on and off the ice. It always feels good to be recognized so I’m very happy about it.”
