Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs to receive Lester Patrick Trophy
Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs was named a recipient Wednesday of the 2015 Lester Patrick Trophy, according to a press release from the Bruins. The award is given jointly by the NHL and USA Hockey to honor a recipient's contribution to ice hockey in the United States.
Jacobs has served as the owner of the Bruins for 41 years and has served as Chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors since 2007. The Bruins have missed the playoffs just six times under Jacobs' ownership.
"Jeremy Jacobs – as owner for 41 years of the NHL’s first U.S.-based team and long-serving Chairman of our Board of Governors – has provided unparalleled vision, innovation and inspiration to the advancement of hockey and the NHL," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in the press release.
Jacobs' reputation within Boston has been tarnished, however, by his responsibility in the NHL's two most recent lockouts, as the Bruins' owner was seen as one of the toughest negotiators during both work stoppages.
Somewhat fittingly, Jacobs will receive the award in Boston when the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame holds its induction ceremony and dinner there on Dec. 17.
(h/t Boston Bruins)