Washington Capitals executive and Dartmouth alum Dick Patrick has been named a recipient of the 2012 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.
The award 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.
A grandson of Lester Patrick and son of former New York Rangers player and coach Muzz Patrick, Dick Patrick was born in Victoria, B.C., but grew up in the United States, played college hockey at Dartmouth and earned his law degree from American University.
Since 1982-83, Patrick has served as president of the Capitals and spearheaded the construction of the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the Caps’ training facility that also is home to local youth hockey programs. As vice chairman and chief operating officer of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Patrick was also instrumental in working out Alex Ovechkin’s long-term contract.
Patrick and fellow honoree Bob Chase/Wallenstein will be honored during the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction celebration in Dallas on Oct. 15.