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‘IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO’
Dominic Franco has a simple reason for being so committed to helping others via Wolves charitable initiatives.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Franco said.
For his efforts in the community, Franco has earned the 2024 Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award.
Each season, a Wolves player receives the award in memory of Snyder, 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 with his tireless commitment to Chicago-area people and charities. On the ice, Snyder scored five game-winning goals during the postseason to help the Wolves capture the 2002 Calder Cup championship.
Franco called receiving the award, “an unbelievable honor.”
“On every team, guys do amazing things in this league to help out families by reaching out to the community—that’s what makes our league and sport so special,” he continued. “It’s an honor for me, especially here in Chicago. I’ve met a lot of amazing people and I’m glad to say I’ve been able to help a lot of people.”
The 28-year-old has done so by participating in a myriad of Wolves charitable initiatives. At the forefront is Franco’s “Friends of Franco,” a space for Military Families to apply for free tickets to a Wolves game and a postgame meet-and-greet with Franco.
The cause is a special one for Franco, a Class of 2020 graduate of West Point who is currently enlisted in the Ready Reserve.
Throughout the season, Franco has dedicated time after Wolves games to interact with Military Families, going beyond quick photo and autograph opportunities to spend extended quality time with the families to share his experiences in the military as well as hear from them about their own.
“It’s just amazing how far a good gesture can go and how easy it is to make a family’s night,” Franco said. “It’s truly special to see a sparkle in a kid’s eyes who came to a game and I’m happy to be a part of that.”
Franco said his time in the army made him appreciate the need to help others.
“In the military in order to be successful, you have to be able to work with people who you don’t know and may not be very similar to,” Franco said. “Just being able to connect with people is definitely something I learned and kind of grew on at West Point and I’ve tried to hold onto that as I’ve moved into professional hockey.”
Franco’s community involvement doesn’t end with “Friends of Franco.”
The Scituate, RI, native participates in the Wolves’ “Score For Charity” initiative to help raise money for Girls In the Game, an organization that strives to help every girl find her voice, discover her strength and build confidence through sports, health and leadership programs.
Franco also participated in the Wolves’ “Brews and Bites” fundraiser by interacting with fans to help raise money for Chicago Wolves Charities.
Franco joined a stellar list of former Wolves Man of the Year Award honorees that includes Max Lajoie (2023), Oscar Dansk (2020), Tyler Wong (2019), Scooter Vaughan (2018), Brett Sterling (2010, 2017), Pat Cannone (2016), Shane Harper (2015), Michael Davies (2013, 2014), Darren Haydar (2012), Spencer Machacek (2011), Jordan Lavallee (2009), Nathan Oystrick (2008), Brian Sipotz (2007), Karl Stewart (2005, 2006) and Kurtis Foster (2004).
“I’m thankful to get the award but there are lot of guys here who do a lot of incredible things for the community,” Franco said. “It’s definitely a team effort here between the staff, coaches and players. It’s no surprise the Wolves have been so successful just because of how close and how important the organization is to this area. It’s more than just a hockey team and it’s pretty evident in the community outreach.”
IMPACT PLAY OF THE WEEK
Isaac Ratcliffe put together this gem to get the Wolves’ offense going in a 7-2 rout of the Grand Rapids Griffins on Sunday at Allstate Arena.
REPUBLIC BANK SAVE OF THE WEEK
During Friday night’s game in Milwaukee, Wolves goaltender Keith Kinkaid went post to post to deny Admirals winger Alex Campbell on this glorious scoring opportunity.
C.D.E. COLLISION CENTERS’ COLLISION OF THE WEEK
Wolves defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald lowered the boom on Admirals forward Reid Schaefer with this heavy check during Friday night’s contest in Milwaukee.
Weekly rewind (1-1-0-1)
FRIDAY, APRIL 12
Admirals 5, Wolves 4 (SO): Rocco Grimaldi had a goal and two assists, Max Comtois and Hudson Elynuik each added a goal and an assist and Cory Conacher also scored but the Wolves couldn’t hold off a Milwaukee rally.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
Griffins 3, Wolves 1: Nathan Sucese scored but the Wolves came up short and had their four-game points streak snapped, allowing the Manitoba Moose to clinch the fifth and final spot in the Central Division playoffs.
SUNDAY, APRIL 14
Wolves 7, Griffins 2: Nathan Sucese had a goal and two assists, Matt Donovan and Hudson Elynuik each had a goal and an assist while Isaac Ratcliffe, Chris Terry and Max Comtois also scored to propel the Wolves.
First Star of the Week
Where we stand
23-33-6-7, sixth in the Central Division.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday, April 19 | At Rockford | 7 p.m. | BMO Center | AHLTV |
Saturday, April 20 | Iowa | 7 p.m. | Allstate Arena | AHLTV/My50 Chicago |
Sunday, April 21 | Rockford | 3 p.m. | Allstate Arena | AHLTV/My50 Chicago |
End of season.
For information on Wolves tickets for the 2024-25 season, visit chicagowolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.