Richmond “Chip” Kenyon, a member of the Middlebury class of 1985, has been named the recipient of the American Hockey Coaches Association’s Lou Lamoriello Award for 2017.
The award — named in honor of the former Providence player, coach and athletic director (and current Toronto Maple Leafs GM) — will be presented during this year’s Frozen Four in Chicago.
Established in 2004 by a group of retired college hockey coaches, the Lamoriello Award recognizes a former college hockey player or coach for their unique and distinguished professional career.
“Chip is a selfless, humble, behind-the-scenes guy who has impacted hundreds of kids through the years,” said former Middlebury coach Bill Beaney, for whom Kenyon played, in a news release. “He is truly a great role model.”
Kenyon enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Middlebury, racking up 39 goals and 98 points in 89 games and leading the Panthers in scoring in both his junior and senior years. He also played lacrosse at Middlebury and it is for his continued support of those two sports that he is being recognized.
Said current Middlebury coach Neil Sinclair: “Chip Kenyon is a dedicated and loyal Middlebury alumnus. His commitment to the college certainly includes the hockey program, but is by no means limited to that. He has lent his expertise to recent graduates as they navigate the transition from college to their professional lives and demonstrates, in his personal and civic life, that commitment to community, and to the development of young athletes is an essential component of ‘paying it forward.’ Middlebury College and the men’s ice hockey program are very fortunate to count Chip Kenyon among their own.”
For the past three decades, Kenyon has volunteered his time to coach football, hockey and lacrosse in and around his home in Kenilworth, Ill. A successful bond trader, he takes greater satisfaction in his success preparing young athletes for sucess in their chosen sport. The founder of the Kenilworth Lacrosse Program, Kenyon is proud to note that 17 of the program’s players have gone on to play NCAA lacrosse.
In addition to 30-plus years of coaching youth and high school hockey, his generosity to his alma mater made the Kenyon Arena at Middlebury possible.
“As you enter the arena, there is a plaque on the wall with Chip’s words: ‘I believe in the educational value of athletics. The lessons of life you experience on this rink will develop character and prepare you for the challenges of society. This facility will be a great classroom,'” noted Beaney.
The award will be presented at a luncheon on Friday, April 7, at the Hilton Palmer House in Chicago.
