Lester Patrick Trophy
The Lester Patrick Trophy is an annual award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) and USA Hockey to recognize outstanding service to hockey in the United States, with eligible recipients including players, coaches, officials, executives, and organizations.[1] Established in 1966 by the New York Rangers, the trophy honors Lester Patrick (1883–1960), a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee who served as the Rangers' general manager, coach, and even emergency goaltender, leading the team to Stanley Cup victories in 1928, 1933, and 1940.[1][2] Lester Patrick was a pioneering figure in professional hockey, co-founding the Pacific Coast Hockey Association in 1911 alongside his brother Frank, where he helped introduce innovations such as numbered jerseys, on-the-fly substitutions, penalty shots, and the blue line to modernize the game.[2] As the Rangers' coach and manager from the franchise's inception in 1926, he built a powerhouse team, including his famous performance at age 44 in the 1928 Stanley Cup Final, where he relieved an injured goaltender and made 17 saves to secure a 2–1 victory over the Montreal Maroons.[2] Patrick's broader impact extended to financing early artificial ice rinks in British Columbia and promoting the sport's growth, earning him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.[2] The trophy's selection process involves a committee comprising the NHL Commissioner, a league governor, a New York Rangers representative, and members from the Hockey Hall of Fame, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, NHL Broadcasters’ Association, and Professional Hockey Writers Association, ensuring recognition of diverse contributions to American hockey.[1] Since its inception, more than 100 individuals and groups have received the award, including hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky (1994), the 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle on Ice" team, broadcasters such as Sam Rosen (2024), and executives like Ray Shero (2025, posthumously).[1][3][4] This honor underscores Patrick's enduring legacy in fostering hockey's development, particularly in the U.S., through leadership and innovation.[1]Background
Lester Patrick
Lester Patrick, born on December 31, 1883, in Drummondville, Quebec, was a pioneering figure in ice hockey whose multifaceted career as a player, coach, and executive spanned over two decades.[5] He died on June 1, 1960, in Victoria, British Columbia.[2] Patrick began his professional playing career in 1904, primarily as a defenseman, competing in various leagues including the National Hockey Association with the Renfrew Creamery Kings, where he earned a reputation for his physical style and offensive contributions from the blue line.[6] His playing days extended until 1928, during which he amassed notable achievements, including multiple league championships in early professional circuits.[7] In 1911, Patrick co-founded the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) alongside his brother Frank, establishing professional hockey on the West Coast and introducing several innovations that shaped the modern game, such as forward passing, the blue line to regulate offside, penalty shots, and numbered jerseys for players.[5] These changes, often referred to as the "Patrick system" of play, emphasized speed, open-ice passing, and strategic puck movement, influencing the formation and rules of the National Hockey League (NHL) when it absorbed PCHA elements in the 1920s.[8] Patrick served as a player-coach for PCHA teams like the Victoria Aristocrats and Cougars, leading the latter to a Stanley Cup victory in 1925 as the last non-NHL team to win the trophy.[7] He also contributed to the sport's infrastructure by building Canada's first artificial ice rink in Victoria in 1911.[5] Transitioning to the NHL, Patrick joined the New York Rangers in 1926 as head coach and manager, guiding the expansion franchise to Stanley Cup championships in 1928, 1933, and 1940—famously substituting himself as goaltender at age 44 during the 1928 finals to secure a key victory.[9] He served as both coach (until 1939) and general manager (until 1946), building consistently competitive teams that reached the playoffs in 15 of his first 16 seasons with the club.[2] Patrick's broader impact earned him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947, recognized in both the player and builder categories for his transformative role in the sport's evolution.[10] Known as the "Silver Fox" for his distinctive gray hair in later years, Patrick came from a hockey-centric family; his brother Frank was also a Hall of Famer, and his sons, Lynn and Muzz Patrick, both played in the NHL, with Lynn later coaching and managing teams.[9] His extensive work with the Rangers significantly advanced hockey's popularity and development in the United States.[9]Award Purpose
The Lester Patrick Trophy is presented annually to recognize outstanding service to hockey in the United States, honoring contributions that advance the sport's growth, development, and promotion across various levels.[1] This includes efforts in coaching, officiating, executive leadership, and innovative initiatives that benefit American hockey communities, from youth programs to professional leagues.[11] Eligibility for the award extends to individuals such as players, coaches, officials, executives, and members of the media, as well as teams, provided their contributions specifically impact hockey in the U.S.[1] There is no nationality restriction, allowing recognition of non-Americans whose work has significantly influenced the sport domestically; for example, U.S. Olympic teams have received the honor for their role in elevating national pride and participation in hockey.[1] Unlike NHL-specific awards like the Hart Memorial Trophy, which recognizes the league's most valuable player based on on-ice performance, the Lester Patrick Trophy emphasizes broader service beyond playing excellence, encompassing amateur, collegiate, and international efforts to expand hockey's reach in the United States.[1] This focus highlights non-playing roles in administration, education, and infrastructure development, reflecting the legacy of builder Lester Patrick after whom it is named.[11]Establishment and Administration
Creation and History
The Lester Patrick Trophy was established in 1966 by the New York Rangers organization to honor the contributions of Lester Patrick, a pioneering figure in professional hockey who marked 50 years in the sport that year, dating back to his co-founding of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association in 1911.[11][12] The award recognized Patrick's legacy as a player, coach, and executive, particularly his role in developing the game in the United States during his tenure with the Rangers, where his teams achieved sustained success.[1] In its inaugural year, the trophy was presented to Jack Adams for his outstanding service to hockey in the United States, coinciding with the NHL's expansion beyond the Original Six era that brought greater focus to growing the sport domestically.[1][13] Initially administered by the Rangers, oversight soon shifted to the NHL, with a selection committee comprising the NHL president, a Rangers representative, and other hockey figures to ensure broad representation.[11] As of 2025, the trophy has been awarded to over 120 individuals and three teams—the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, the 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle on Ice" team, and the 1998 U.S. Women's Olympic team—reflecting its evolution under joint NHL and USA Hockey administration, which formalized in the late 20th century to emphasize U.S. hockey development.[1] A notable interruption occurred in 2005, when no award was given due to the NHL lockout that canceled the entire season.[13] In the late 1990s, the award expanded to recognize contributions to women's hockey, beginning with the 1998 U.S. Women's Olympic Team in 1999 and continuing with individual honorees like Cammi Granato in 2007.[11]Selection Process
The Lester Patrick Trophy is selected by a seven-member award committee, comprising the NHL Commissioner, an NHL governor, a representative from the New York Rangers, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, a representative from the NHL Broadcasters' Association, and a member from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.[1][11] With the exception of the NHL Commissioner, committee members rotate annually to ensure diverse perspectives in the evaluation process.[11] The committee evaluates potential recipients based on their outstanding service to hockey in the United States, focusing on contributions that advance the sport's development, such as enhancing player opportunities, promoting league expansion, or fostering community involvement.[1][11] Eligible candidates include players, coaches, officials, executives, and referees, with a preference for individuals though teams may occasionally be honored for collective impact.[1] The selection emphasizes lasting influence on American hockey, determined through committee deliberation without a publicly detailed voting mechanism beyond consensus review.[11] Nominations are not formally outlined in public records, but the committee's process leads to an annual decision, typically announced in late summer or early fall prior to the NHL playoffs. Posthumous awards are permitted, as demonstrated by recipients such as Ray Shero in 2025, and are denoted with a dagger (†) in official listings.[1] The award was not presented during the 2004–05 NHL lockout, marking a rare interruption to the annual tradition.[1]Recipients
Individual Recipients
The Lester Patrick Trophy recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States, with awards presented annually since 1966 except during the 2005 NHL lockout. Over 140 individuals have received the honor, encompassing more than 60 executives, approximately 40 players, around 25 coaches, and additional broadcasters, officials, and contributors; notable milestones include Cammi Granato as the first woman honored individually in 2007 and several posthumous awards, such as to Ray Shero in 2025. The recipients are listed below in chronological order, including their primary role associated with the recognition.[1]| Year | Recipient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | J.J. "Jack" Adams | Executive |
| 1967 | Charles F. Adams | Executive |
| 1967 | James Norris Sr. | Executive |
| 1967 | Gordon Howe | Player |
| 1968 | Walter A. Brown | Executive |
| 1968 | Thomas F. Lockhart | Executive |
| 1968 | Gen. John R. Kilpatrick | Executive |
| 1969 | Robert M. Hull | Player |
| 1969 | Edward J. Jeremiah | Coach |
| 1970 | James C. V. Hendy | Executive |
| 1970 | Edward W. Shore | Player |
| 1971 | William M. Jennings | Executive |
| 1971 | John B. Sollenberger | Executive |
| 1971 | Terrance G. Sawchuk | Player |
| 1972 | Clarence S. Campbell | Executive |
| 1972 | James D. Norris | Executive |
| 1972 | John A. "Snooks" Kelly | Coach |
| 1972 | Ralph "Cooney" Weiland | Coach |
| 1973 | Walter L. Bush Jr. | Executive |
| 1974 | Weston W. Adams Sr. | Executive |
| 1974 | Alex Delvecchio | Player |
| 1974 | Charles L. Crovat | Executive |
| 1974 | Murray Murdoch | Coach |
| 1975 | William L. Chadwick | Official |
| 1975 | Thomas N. Ivan | Executive |
| 1975 | Donald M. Clark | Executive |
| 1976 | George A. Leader | Executive |
| 1976 | Bruce A. Norris | Executive |
| 1976 | Stanley Mikita | Player |
| 1977 | Murray A. Armstrong | Coach |
| 1977 | John Mariucci | Coach |
| 1977 | John P. Bucyk | Player |
| 1978 | Phil Esposito | Player |
| 1978 | Tom Fitzgerald | Executive |
| 1978 | William T. Tutt | Executive |
| 1978 | William W. Wirtz | Executive |
| 1979 | Bobby Orr | Player |
| 1980 | Bobby Clarke | Player |
| 1980 | Frederick A. Shero | Coach |
| 1980 | Edward M. Snider | Executive |
| 1981 | Charles M. Schulz | Contributor |
| 1982 | Emile P. Francis | Executive |
| 1983 | Bill Torrey | Executive |
| 1984 | Arthur Howey Ross | Executive |
| 1984 | John A. Ziegler Jr. | Executive |
| 1985 | Jack Butterfield | Executive |
| 1985 | Arthur M. Wirtz | Executive |
| 1986 | John MacInnes | Coach |
| 1986 | Jack Riley | Coach |
| 1987 | Hobey Baker | Player |
| 1987 | Frank Mathers | Executive |
| 1988 | Keith Allen | Executive |
| 1988 | Bob Johnson | Coach |
| 1988 | Fred Cusick | Broadcaster |
| 1989 | Dan Kelly | Broadcaster |
| 1989 | Lou Nanne | Executive |
| 1989 | Lynn Patrick | Executive |
| 1989 | Bud Poile | Executive |
| 1990 | Len Ceglarski | Coach |
| 1991 | Rod Gilbert | Player |
| 1991 | Mike Ilitch | Executive |
| 1992 | Al Arbour | Coach |
| 1992 | Art Berglund | Executive |
| 1992 | Lou Lamoriello | Executive |
| 1993 | Frank Boucher | Player |
| 1993 | Mervyn "Red" Dutton | Executive |
| 1993 | Gil Stein | Executive |
| 1993 | Bruce McNall | Executive |
| 1994 | Wayne Gretzky | Player |
| 1994 | Robert Ridder | Executive |
| 1995 | Bob Fleming | Executive |
| 1995 | Brian Mullen | Player |
| 1995 | Joe Mullen | Player |
| 1996 | George Gund III | Executive |
| 1996 | Milt Schmidt | Player |
| 1996 | Ken Morrow | Player |
| 1997 | Bill Cleary | Coach |
| 1997 | Seymour H. Knox III | Executive |
| 1997 | Pat LaFontaine | Player |
| 1998 | Neal Broten | Player |
| 1998 | Peter Karmanos Jr. | Executive |
| 1998 | Max McNab | Executive |
| 1998 | John Mayasich | Player |
| 1999 | Harry Sinden | Executive |
| 2000 | Mario Lemieux | Player |
| 2000 | Craig Patrick | Executive |
| 2000 | Lou Vairo | Coach |
| 2001 | Gary Bettman | Executive |
| 2001 | Scotty Bowman | Coach |
| 2001 | David Poile | Executive |
| 2002 | Herb Brooks | Coach |
| 2002 | Larry Pleau | Executive |
| 2003 | Raymond Bourque | Player |
| 2003 | Ron DeGregorio | Executive |
| 2003 | Willie O'Ree | Player |
| 2004 | John Davidson | Executive |
| 2004 | Mike Emrick | Broadcaster |
| 2004 | Ray Miron | Executive |
| 2005 | No award | N/A |
| 2006 | Red Berenson | Coach |
| 2006 | Marcel Dionne | Player |
| 2006 | Glen Sonmor | Coach |
| 2006 | Reed Larson | Player |
| 2006 | Steve Yzerman | Player |
| 2007 | Brian Leetch | Player |
| 2007 | Cammi Granato | Player |
| 2007 | John Halligan | Executive |
| 2007 | Stan Fischler | Broadcaster |
| 2008 | Brian Burke | Executive |
| 2008 | Phil Housley | Player |
| 2008 | Bob Naegele Jr. | Executive |
| 2008 | Ted Lindsay | Player |
| 2009 | Mark Messier | Player |
| 2009 | Jim Devellano | Executive |
| 2009 | Mike Richter | Player |
| 2010 | Dave Andrews | Executive |
| 2010 | Cam Neely | Player |
| 2010 | Jack Parker | Coach |
| 2010 | Jerry York | Coach |
| 2011 | Mark Johnson | Coach |
| 2011 | Jeff Sauer | Coach |
| 2011 | Tony Rossi | Executive |
| 2011 | Bob Pulford | Executive |
| 2012 | Dick Patrick | Executive |
| 2012 | Bob Chase | Broadcaster |
| 2013 | Kevin Allen | Broadcaster |
| 2014 | Bill Daly | Executive |
| 2014 | Paul Holmgren | Executive |
| 2015 | Bob Crocker | Executive |
| 2015 | Jeremy Jacobs | Executive |
| 2016 | Mark Howe | Player |
| 2016 | Pat Kelly | Executive |
| 2017 | Peter Lindberg | Executive |
| 2017 | Dave Ogrean | Executive |
| 2018 | Jim Johannson | Executive |
| 2019 | Dr. Jack Blatherwick | Contributor |
| 2020 | Lynn Olson | Executive |
| 2021 | Jack Barzee | Executive |
| 2022 | Warren Strelow | Coach |
| 2023 | Joe Bertagna | Executive |
| 2024 | Sam Rosen | Broadcaster |
| 2025 | Ray Shero | Executive (posthumous) |