Portland's Ken Hodge Named Recipient Of 2010 WHL Governors Award
Published on March 18, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary - Ron Robison, Western Hockey League Commissioner, on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors, announced today that former General Manager and Head Coach of the Portland Winterhawks and the winningest coach in WHL history, Ken Hodge, has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 - 10 WHL Governors Award. The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to an individual who, through their outstanding services as a builder of the League and achievements in the game, has contributed to the growth and development of the WHL.
Ken Hodge was the only Head Coach in Winterhawks history from the time the franchise relocated to Portland until he stepped down from the bench following the 1992 - 93 season to concentrate solely on serving as the Club's General Manager. During this period, Hodge set the WHL coaching all-time records including most games coached - 1411; most regular season victories - 742 and most playoff wins - 101. One of the major highlights of Hodge's coaching career came in 1982 - 83 when the host Winterhawks became the first ever U.S. based franchise to capture the Memorial Cup. Hodge's success continued in his role as General Manager as he later built the Winterhawks into a perennial contender and captured the Memorial Cup Championship again in 1998. During Hodge's 32 years as Head Coach and General Manager, the Winterhawks made the playoffs 26 times and also captured two WHL Championships. Hodge, who continues to serve as a special advisor to the Winterhawks, coached close to 100 players in Portland who went on to play in the NHL.
"Ken Hodge is not only regarded as one of the most successful coaches in WHL history," stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, "but he also played an integral role in the Portland Winterhawks becoming one of the most dominant franchises in the WHL over two decades."
WHL Commissioner Ron Robison will be in Portland on Sunday, March 21 to present Ken Hodge with the honor as part of the pre-game ceremonies leading up to game two in the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Quarter Final between the host Portland Winterhawks and Spokane Chiefs.
The WHL Governors Award, first awarded by the WHL in 2004 - 05, is the highest honour bestowed on an individual by the WHL Board of Governors. Previous recipients were: Bob Brown (2008 - 09); Bill Hunter, Scotty Munro and Jim Piggott (2007 - 08); Bob Cornell (2006 - 07); Jack McLeod (2005 - 06); Pat Ginnell, Ernie McLean, Bill Hicke and Del Wilson (2004 - 05).
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