Bauman wins Man of Year award

By Bob Hersom

Published: March 21, 2008

Stacey Bauman was the most surprised player on the Ford Center ice Thursday night, after becoming the first Oklahoma City Blazer to be named Man of the Year in the Central Hockey League.

"It was a nice surprise. It was certainly an honor, that's for sure,” Bauman said. "I consider it a blessing, really. I consider it a gift to play this game. I get to play a game for a living. God gave me the gift, and I'm just thankful that He's showing me how to impact the community.”

Bauman, 28, was presented the Man of the Year award by Aaron Jackson, CHL director of franchise services, in a pre-game ceremony. The Blazers' Wade Sundbye also was given his CHL Trainer of the Year award, which was previously announced. Sundbye also is the first Blazer to win his award.

"Anyone who has spent any time with Stacey Bauman knows that this is well, well deserved,” public address announcer Ben Buckland said of the Blazers defenseman.

Bauman was named CHL Man of the Year for his commitment to helping others in the Oklahoma City community. The award is presented annually "to the CHL player adjudged to have best exemplified strong leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworthy humanitarian contributions to his community.”

"I guess I would hope that this speaks to character,” Bauman said. "I'm not the most skilled player out there, so I just try to play hard and let my character show on and off the ice. I hope that's what was reflected by this award.”

The 2003 Yale graduate, in his first season with the Blazers and fifth year in pro hockey, appeared at several public engagements for the hockey club. He also led the University of Oklahoma club hockey team's chapel service on Tuesdays, participated in the Life Church children's ministry on Wednesdays, and was the Blazers' representative at the weekly Oklahoma City Youth Hockey "Kids First” practices on Thursdays.

On an international level, Bauman is a major donor for Love 146, a public charity that works toward the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through prevention and after-care.

"Stacey Bauman is a very unique individual,” Blazers coach Doug Sauter said. "A lot of the stuff that he does away from the rink goes unnoticed, but he's very involved and he's a guy that has a very positive attitude towards life. He's always got a smile, and he's the hardest-working guy in the gym. He's very, very dedicated, and his dedication spills over into the community.”

Blazers associate coach Chris Dashney said: "I believe the reason that he plays professional hockey is that it allows him a platform to help others. I recruited Stacey to play in Lubbock for me, and for three seasons he played the game the way it should be played. He was the first one on the ice and the last one off. I'm happy that he signed here in Oklahoma City and has continued to be a staple in his community.”

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