The John Cullen Award was awarded annually by the International Hockey League to the player judged to contribute the most to his team, while overcoming adversity, including injury, illness, and other setbacks. The award was originally named the Comeback Player of the Year Award until 1999, when it was renamed after John Cullen, who overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Winners
Comeback Player of the Year Award Season Player Team 1996–97 Kevin Smyth Orlando Solar Bears 1997–98 Mike Tomlak Milwaukee AdmiralsJohn Cullen Award Season Player Team 1998–99 Jeff Christian Houston Aeros 1999–00 Steve Larouche Chicago Wolves 2000–01 Rusty Fitzgerald Manitoba Moose
References John Cullen Award www.hockeydb.com Comeback Player of the Year www.hockeydb.com