Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award

19 – Forever in our heart

Dan Snyder (February 23, 1978 – October 5, 2003) was signed by the Atlanta 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 2000-01 and the American Hockey League champion Chicago Wolves in 2001-02. Called up to the National Hockey League, he contributed 10 goals and four assists in 36 games with the Thrashers in 2002-03.

On September 29, 2003, Snyder was critically injured after the Ferrari 360 Modena 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.

For more information about Dan Snyder click here

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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 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 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.

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Franco Earns Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award

The Wolves are proud to announce that forward Dominic Franco has been honored with a pair of important awards for his charitable contributions during the 2024-25 American Hockey League season.

On Tuesday, the American Hockey League named Franco the winner of the Wolves’ 2024-25 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. In addition, the Wolves announced that the 29-year-old has captured the organization’s highest honor, the 2025 Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award.

The Wolves’ IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award was given to Franco for his outstanding contributions to the Chicago-area community during the 2024-25 season.

“I genuinely enjoy being so involved in the community,” said Franco, who recently made his season debut after recovering from surgery in mid-October following a shoulder injury suffered in training camp. “It’s not very often you’re able to connect with people and have this much impact.”

Franco also joined an illustrious group of former Wolves who have captured the prestigious Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award. It marks the second consecutive year Franco has received the honor,

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 and Franco is following suit.

“I’m truly honored again to receive this award,” Franco said. “To be honored in Dan Snyder’s name is a privilege.”

The Scituate, R.I., native’s off-ice contributions start–but don’t end with–Franco’s meaningful “Friends of Franco” program, a space for Military Families to apply for free tickets to a Wolves game and attend a postgame meet-and-greet with the Class of 2020 graduate of West Point and current member of the Army’s Ready Reserve.

Franco has also been involved in helping raise money for charities during the Wolves’ annual “Brews & Bites” event, he is a frequent participant in the organization’s “Read to Succeed” program which encourages students to make reading a fun and rewarding part of life, and he is also heavily involved in the Wolves’ initiatives with Animal Adoption.

There may be more honors headed Franco’s way as he is now one of 32 finalists for the AHL’s 2024-25 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 later this month.

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Previous Winners