News release
14 April 2006
Elmira, NY - The Elmira Jackals announced that Former Jackals' defenseman Jody Robinson has been named 2005-06 Man of the Year by his team, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.
Below is the Press Release from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers website: www.soundtigers.com
Jody Robinson Named Sound Tigers' 2005-06 Man of the Year
Severe knee injury didn't keep big blueliner from staying involved
BRIDGEPORT, CT - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers are proud to announce that defenseman Jody Robinson has been named the team's winner of the American Specialty / AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Bridgeport-area community during the 2005-06 season.
On November 11th, Robinson, 27, suffered a devastating injury to his right knee in a 3-2 road win over the Philadelphia Phantoms. The 6'1'' 235-pounder who was born just up I-95 in New Haven tore his anterior cruciate ligament and partially tore his medial collateral ligament. The injury was so severe that Robinson had to go through several weeks of rehabilitation before his knee could tolerate the trauma of surgery, which was not performed for another six weeks. However, Robinson refused to let the injury affect his commitment to community service.
Robinson's appearances include the cancer ward of Yale New Haven Hospital, the Tashua School Olympics and many visits to area schools. He is one of the Sound Tigers' 'go-to-guys' when it comes to community appearances often coordinating the involvement of other players. Having grown up in New Haven, Robinson understands the necessity of staying close with the surrounding community and has proven to be a valued asset of not only the Sound Tigers, but the city of Bridgeport, as well as most of Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
In recognition of his efforts, Robinson will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during an on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming Sound Tigers home game.
Robinson is now one of 27 finalists for the AHL's 2005-06 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall 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 Dupre Memorial Award will be announced later this month.