Middlebury's Chip Kenyon To Receive AHCA's Lou Lamoriello Award During Frozen Four Weekend

Richmond "Chip" Kenyon, a member of the Middlebury College 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 College player, coach and athletic director (and current Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager) — will be presented during this year's NCAA "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 head coach Bill Beaney, for whom Kenyon played. "He is truly a great role model."

Kenyon enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Middlebury, racking up 39-59-98 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 head 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, IL. 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+ years of coaching youth and high school hockey, his generosity to his alma mater made the Kenyon Arena at Middlebury possible. Added coach Beaney, "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.'"

A modest man by nature, Kenyon did report, with some pride, that he was on the first USA roller hockey team which won the IIHF World championship.

The award will be presented at a luncheon on Friday, April 7, at the Hilton Palmer House in Chicago, IL. Anyone interested in attending should contact Joe Bertagna at 781-245-4177. Seating is limited.

Recipients of the Lou Lamoriello Award
2004 Lou Lamoriello, Providence (Coaching, Athletic Administration)
2005 Tom "Red" Martin, Boston College (Communications, Philanthropy)
2006 John Mayasich, Minnesota (Communications)
2007 Dave Metzen, Minnesota (Education)
2008 Tom Coakley, Brown (Military Service)
2009 Laing Kennedy, Cornell (Athletic Administration)
2010 Dr. Michael Collins, Notre Dame (Medicine)
2014 Joe Battista, Penn State (Coaching, Athletic Development)
2015 Bob White, Bowdoin College (Business)
2016 General Mark Milley, Princeton (Military Service)
2017 Richmond "Chip" Kenyon, Middlebury College (Business)