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Capitals President Dick Patrick One Of Two Recipients Of Lester Patrick Trophy

Capitals president Dick Patrick has been named as a recipient of the 2012 Lester Patrick Trophy.

By Matt Brigidi
PITTSBURGH - JULY 27: Washington Capitals President Dick Patrick addresses the media at the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic press conference on July 27 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - JULY 27: Washington Capitals President Dick Patrick addresses the media at the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic press conference on July 27 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The NHL announced on Monday that Washington Capitals president Dick Patrick would be one of the two recipients of the 2012 Lester Patrick Trophy, which is awarded annually for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. The trophy honors Patrick's grandfather, Lester, who spent 50 years in hockey as a player, coach and general manager.

Dick Patrick is a third-generation member of the illustrious hockey family, as his father, Muzz Patrick, was a player and coach for the New York Rangers. After playing college hockey at Dartmouth and earning a law degree at American University, Dick Patrick took over as president of the Capitals during the 1982-83 season and has remained with the team in that role ever since.

In each of the eight years prior to Patrick taking over his position, the Capitals had failed to make the playoffs. Since then, the club has participated in 23 of the last 29 Stanley Cup playoffs.

In addition to Patrick, Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster Bob Chase will also receive the Lester Patrick Trophy. The two men will be honored during the annual Hockey Hall of Fame induction celebration in Dallas on Oct. 15.

For more on the Capitals, check out Japers' Rink. You can get more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL hub.