Chicago Blackhawks executive Scotty Bowman has been named one of three legends awarded the Order of Hockey in Canada award, Hockey Canada announced Wednesday. The honor, which was established in 2012, recognizes the important contributions of players, coaches, and executives to the sport.
Bowman currently serves as senior advisor of hockey operations for the Blackhawks, whose front office is ran by his son, general manager Stan Bowman. Prior to joining the Blackhawks in 2008, he had set countless records as the most successful coach in NHL history.
Over a coaching career stretching from 1967 to 2002, Bowman won a league record 1,248 games and nine Stanley Cups. He won five with the Canadiens (1973, 1976-79), one with the Penguins (1992), and three with the Red Wings (1997-98, 2002). He retired from coaching after his final Cup victory with Detroit.
Toss in five more Stanley Cups as an executive, and Bowman has been a part of a ridiculous 14 Cup-winning teams over the decades. It’s an incredible feat, so it’s no surprise that he’s considered part of the fabric of hockey history.
In 2012, Bowman was made an officer of the Order of Canada, which is an award bestowed upon those who “demonstrated an outstanding level of talent and service to Canadians.”
That same year, the Order of Hockey in Canada was established specifically to honor legends of the sport. The first class featured Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, Cassie Campbell, and Gord Renwick. At least three people have been given the award each year since, with Fran Rider and Murray Costello joining Bowman in the 2017 class.
There will be a gala to celebrate those three, who were decided by a 12-person committee, and it’s definitely well-deserved. Most people go into hockey dreaming of being involved in one Stanley Cup. He’s been involved in 14. Still ridiculous.