DUBUQUE, Iowa – Aidan Fulp, incoming freshman defenseman for the Western Michigan Hockey team, has been honored by the United States Hockey League with the prestigious Curt Hammer Award.
 
The award is given annually to the player that distinguishes himself both on and off the ice by demonstrating outstanding performance skills, pride and determination. It is given in the memory of the late Curt Hammer, who was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of hockey in the Des Moines community, even while battling cancer.
 
Fulp, an Indianapolis, Ind., native, wrapped up his third season in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. This past season he captained the squad while producing a career-high 15 points as a shutdown defenseman on one goal and 14 assists in 45 games, also finishing +11.
 
"Aidan has been committed to WMU for a number of years," said head coach Andy Murray. "One of the reasons we recruited him was because of his character and the way he conducts himself off the ice. He's also an outstanding player and his award is a good recognition of both of those characteristics."
 
Fulp has been heavily involved in the Dubuque community during his three seasons with the team. He was a big part of the "Live Like a Saint" program, where players travel to schools to teach students about character values. He has also volunteered with the Dubuque Special Olympics, a human service organization called Hills and Dales, the Boys and Girls Club of Dubuque and the Dubuque Youth Hockey Association.
 
"Aidan being recognized by the USHL for his efforts in the community speaks to his development and maturity level, and ultimately what he values- what he's all about," said Dubuque head coach Oliver David to USHL.com. "As our captain, he led us daily around the rink, but perhaps more importantly, he set an example for us all with his actions away from the rink. He truly is a role model to his peers. We will miss him around here."
 
Fulp added, ""It is a huge honor to be a Curt Hammer award winner. I would like to thank the whole Dubuque community for being so hospitable and friendly. I owe another huge thank you to my teammates and all of the staff in Dubuque. Throughout the ranks of the organization, we had a spectacular culture that we built on a basis of pushing each other to get better every day. None of this would have been possible without the Dubuque community and the Fighting Saints organization. Thank you!"