The Lou Lamoriello Award
The prestigious Lou Lamoriello Award, an honor given annually by the American Hockey Coaches Association to a former collegiate player or coach who achieves notable success post-college, will be awarded this year to George McPhee. He currently serves as the President of Hockey Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights. Named after the esteemed Lou Lamoriello, who has left an indelible mark on college hockey and the NHL, this award will be presented during the upcoming Frozen Four event in Las Vegas on April 10.
George McPhee’s Journey
Expressing his gratitude, McPhee remarked,
“Accepting the Lou Lamoriello Award as we gear up for the Frozen Four here in Vegas is incredibly humbling. Lou stands out as one of the finest thinkers in hockey, contributing significantly to both college hockey and the NHL. His influence on institutions and individuals alike is remarkable.”
A former forward at Bowling Green State University, McPhee was honored with the Hobey Baker Award in 1982. Following a successful seven-year playing career in the NHL, where he represented teams such as the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils, he transitioned to management. His executive roles spanned across several clubs including the Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders before he joined the Golden Knights.
Achievements and Recognition
On July 13, 2016, McPhee was appointed as the first General Manager and President of Hockey Operations for the Golden Knights. He garnered the NHL General Manager of the Year Award in 2018, a testament to his effective leadership during the team’s impressive inaugural season. Although he stepped down as General Manager on September 1, 2019, passing the role to Kelly McCrimmon, he has continued to excel in his position overseeing hockey operations. McPhee celebrated a significant milestone in 2023 when the Golden Knights clinched their first Stanley Cup.
Community Praise
Forrest Karr, Executive Director of the AHCA, praised McPhee’s exceptional contributions to the sport, stating,
“George is highly regarded within the hockey community and has consistently fostered positive developments throughout his career. His vast influence on the game makes him an ideal recipient of the Lou Lamoriello Award, and we eagerly anticipate honoring him during the Frozen Four weekend.”
