Rick Tocchet was crowned the National Hockey League (NHL) coach of the year.
He won the Jack Adams Trophy, the NHL announced before Game 1 of the Eastern Final between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers on Wednesday evening.
“It’s truly a team award. I could not have done anything without the support of our staff and the total support of the players,” Tocchet said in a statement. I am truly honored and touched to receive this trophy. I look forward to returning to work this summer as we continue to work to improve our team. »
“Vancouver is a passionate hockey market and our fans have played a major role in our success this season,” he added.
Tocchet was by far the NHL Broadcasters Association’s most popular choice. He received 82 first-place votes out of 114 ballots cast, for a total of 483 points.
Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators and Rick Bowness of the Winnipeg Jets were the other two finalists. They obtained 145 and 75 points respectively.
Tocchet, 60, helped the Canucks finish first in the Pacific Division with a 50-23-9 record in his first full season behind the team’s bench.
Earlier this week, the Canucks were eliminated in seven games by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the playoffs.
“Toc has created a true partnership between the players, coaches and staff,” said Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin. He empowered people and worked very hard to put in place a process that everyone had to follow. Our pillars and structure will help guide this group in the years to come.
“I’m very impressed with the work he’s done this season,” Allvin added. I can’t wait to see what awaits the team under his leadership. »
Finalist for the first time, Tocchet is the third Canucks coach to win this trophy, after Pat Quinn in 1992 and Alain Vigneault in 2007.