Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From NHL
Former Flyers GM and current president Paul Holmgren
Accomplished NHL executive Bill Daly and former player, coach, current Flyers executive Paul Holmgren have been
named recipients of the 2014 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.
The award, one of the most prestigious in hockey, was presented to the National Hockey League by the New York Rangers in 1966. It honors the memory of Lester Patrick, who spent 50 years in hockey as a player, coach and general manager and was a pioneer in the sport’s development.
Paul Holmgren, president of the Philadelphia Flyers, played 10 seasons for the Flyers and the Minnesota North Stars. Drafted 108th overall in 1975 by the Flyers, his achievements as a player were highlighted by scoring three goals in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final in 1980 – the first time a U.S.-born player scored a hat trick in a Cup Final game. He was also a 1981 NHL All-Star. He went on to serve as assistant coach, head coach, assistant general manager, and general manger of the Flyers before assuming his current position this summer.
“I’m truly honored and humbled to receive the Lester Patrick Trophy,” said Holmgren. “United States hockey has been a great influence in my life growing up in Minnesota and playing for the St. Paul Vulcans, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Fighting Saints and in the NHL for the Minnesota North Stars and Philadelphia Flyers. I am very proud to have served and to have been involved in the USA hockey program. I would also like to congratulate Bill Daly who will be receiving the award along with me in Minneapolis.”
Holmgren has been widely involved in furthering the sport throughout his career in various roles for USA Hockey. He has served on the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group since 2009 and was the assistant general manager of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. In addition, he served as the general manager of the 2006 U.S. Men’s National Team and was an assistant coach for Team USA at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. As a player, Holmgren competed for the U.S. at the 1974 IIHF World Junior Championship and was invited to play on Team USA for the 1981 Canada Cup, but could not due to injury.
The recipients will be honored as part of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Thursday, December 4, in Minneapolis. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased athttp://www.ushockeyhalloffame.com.
Named the first-ever deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League on July 22, 2005, Bill Daly serves as the chief consultant to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on all issues that impact the League’s operation and overall business. In addition, he is instrumental in administering the League’s collective bargaining agreements and relationships with the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL Officials’ Association. His role in collective bargaining with the players in 2004-05 led to a revolutionary change to the League’s economic operating system.
Daly is the point person for the NHL’s dealings with USA Hockey, College Hockey Inc., the American Hockey League and United States Hockey League and is responsible for negotiating and administering the necessary working agreements related to those relationships. He oversees the NHL’s participation in all international hockey competitions, including the Olympics, World Cup of Hockey, and the International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Hockey Championships. Daly also serves as president of the NHL Foundation, an organization responsible for administering and directing charitable dollars and initiatives for the League and its clubs. He has played a major role in helping shape the NHL’s identity on the global sports landscape.
