Mike Condon Award

Veteran AHL Linesman wins the Mike Condon Award for Outstanding Service to the American Hockey League.

Since 2002, the American Hockey League has presented the Mike Condon Award to an on ice official for their outstanding service to the league.

This year the AHL selected Leo Boylan, of Chalfont PA, to receive the award. AHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jim Mill had this to say, "We felt Leo is a more than deserving receipient. He exemplifies all of the qualities the award represents - service to the league, longevity and on ice performance." Jim Doyle, Marty Demers, Dan Murphy, Matt Dunne and Luke Galvin are the past winners of the award.

Leo had a close relationship with Mike and for him to be honored with this award it is quite special. Mike was a mentor to Leo, helping him out along the way as he rose in the officiating ranks. "For me to win this award means a lot", said Leo. "To be included in this group of officials, with all their accomplishments and to have Mike's name on the award is very humbling. Mike helped open a lot of doors for me and I am truly honored to be recognized with this."

While not on the ice in the AHL, Leo can be found high atop the Wachovia Center, working as a video goal judge for the NHL. He handles the duties for about half the home games of the Philadelphia Flyers, a job that keeps him in touch with his friends of the NHLOA. Leo's officiating highlights includes an invite to the 1999 World Juniors in Winnipeg and being assigned an NHL exhibition game a few years back. He is also a long time instructor for USA Hockey, helping with the development of up and coming officials.

He will receive the award in January, before an AHL game at the Philadelphia Spectrum. Leo never had NHL aspirations, for him a full time job and his family life came before a hockey career. But that never detered him from being the best official he could be.

It will be a very special night when he receives the award, supported by his wife Annette and his two sons, Ryan and Tyler.>/P>

On behalf on the NHLOA, congratulations to Leo on being selected for this very prestigious award.