Award Recognition
Tyrel Bauer, a defenseman for the Manitoba Moose, was recently honored with the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award, which celebrates players who make a profound impact beyond the rink.
The award, named after former Hershey Bears forward Yanick Dupré, who died at 24 after a battle with leukemia, serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with a professional hockey career.
Community Involvement
Bauer’s commitment to community service is evident through his collaborations with the Kinship and Foster Family Network of Manitoba, where he brings foster families to Moose home games, and his participation in Project 11, a mental‑health education initiative championed by the True North Youth Foundation.
He has also visited St. Amant, a non‑profit supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries, where he spent time listening to families and sharing his own experiences.
Inspiration and Perspective
Reflecting on the people who shaped his outlook, Bauer cites former Moose captain Jimmy Oligny as a pivotal influence, inspiring him to give back to fans and the broader hockey community.
He acknowledges the unique challenges faced by people outside the rink, noting that while AHL players are young and healthy, their dreams are no less valuable, and that connecting with supporters is a core part of his role.
Through holiday gift drives, classroom visits, autograph sessions and the Moose Backyard Rink Contest, Bauer strives to make every fan feel heard and seen, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the sport and its community.