Harrison, Stoddard recognized with awards

The North American Hockey League announced today that Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Caleb Harrison has been named the recipient of this year’s Academic Achievement Award, while Topeka RoadRunners forward John Stoddard has been honored with the Community Service Award.

Harrison, from Fairbanks, holds a 3.9 GPA and received a 30 on his ACT.  Currently excelling in his college courses this semester, the 21-year-old has committed to Holy Cross (Atlantic Hockey) for the coming fall.

“Caleb has been nothing short of outstanding in terms of balancing his athletics with his academics,” said Ice Dogs coach-GM Rob Proffitt.  “His achievements in the classroom say a lot about his discipline and character.”

Stoddard, a La Mesa, Calif., native, has been actively involved in countless charitable efforts in and around the Topeka community this season, including spearheading the successful  “Read With The RoadRunners” initiative.

The 20-year-old also participated in the Big Brothers program and “Skate With The RoadRunners” and “Learn To Skate” programs, in addition to assisting other youth and community development projects in various capacities.

“John exemplifies what the ideals of junior hockey are all about,” said RoadRunners operations manager Arch Ecker.  “He’s a fiery, passionate leader on the ice, and he has a heart of gold off it. He’s grateful for the opportunity to represent his team in the community and views it as an honor rather than a chore.”

The NAHL Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year will be announced later this week.  The All-NAHL Team, Goaltender of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player will be announced at the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament banquet on Tuesday, April 29.

The oldest and largest junior league in the United States, the North American Hockey League, a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior A league boasting 18 teams from across the country, including the esteemed USA Hockey National Team Development Program, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.