CHARLOTTE — The American Hockey League awarded Charlotte Checkers forward Kyle Hagel one of the league's most prestigious awards.
You may know Number 18 on the ice as a gritty bruiser who stands up for his teammates. However, it's Hagel's softer side that makes him a true man of service.
"You know he comes with this tough exterior; I think the first time he came to school he had a big black eye," said Paul Williams, principal of McClintock Middle School.
In his spare time Hagel can be found spending time in the classroom as part of the Stick to Reading program. Top program performers receive a game versus the Checkers.
"It's like you know you have tough-guy side and then you have the softer community side but I feel like they all come from the same place. I think that fighting and sticking up for your teammates comes from that sense of team," Hagel said.
Hagel has racked up the second most penalty minutes in the American Hockey League, but more impressively he was voted the league's Man of the Year for his work in the community.
"Seeing these kids out there who have probably never played hockey before who are having fun sweating and playing hockey, you know if they scored a goal and get a couple of high fives, you know hopefully it boosts their self-confidence," Hagel said.
Hagel has received the Man of the Year Award with five different teams.
WSOC
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