WAY TO GO MO

Mike Modano signs autographs on jersey retirement night in P.A. Friday

The Western Hockey League announced today the recipient of this year’s WHL Alumni Achievement Award in the professional hockey category is former Prince Albert Raider Mike Modano.

The WHL Alumni Achievement Award annually recognizes WHL graduates who pursued professional hockey and achieved a distinguished career in the NHL as well as an alumnus who has obtained a post-secondary education through the WHL Scholarship Program and has moved on to a highly successful business career.

Modano, a product of Livonia, MI, is considered one of the best U.S.-born players ever to play in the NHL.  He holds NHL records for most goals (561), points (1,374) and playoff points (146) by an American-born player, and also holds the Stars’ franchise records for games played, goals, assists and points in both regular-season play and playoffs.  A Second-Team NHL All-Star in 2000, Modano appeared in eight NHL All-Star games.  In addition, Modano boasts an impressive international resume, having represented the USA in two World Junior Championship tournaments, three Men’s World Championships, three Olympic Games, and three World Cup of Hockey tournaments, winning Gold in 1996.

Modano currently serves as an Executive Advisor and Alternate Governor for the Dallas Stars.

“Given that Mike’s remarkable career started in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders, it is only fitting that he receives the highest honour the WHL presents to our graduate players, the WHL Alumni Achievement Award,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.  “Mike played an instrumental role in opening the door to top U.S. prospects who are interested in furthering their development in the WHL and across the Canadian Hockey League.”

(Photo courtesy Shae Paisley)