Ken Hitchcock, left, runs his first practice after being named head coach of the St. Louis Blues hockey team Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, in St. Louis.Jeff Roberson/The Associated Press
Ken Hitchcock's splendid coaching career finally includes the recognition of being the best in the business.
The St. Louis Blues coach took home the Jack Adams Award on Wednesday in voting by the National Hockey League Broadcasters Association.
He beat out Paul MacLean of the Ottawa Senators and John Tortorella of the New York Rangers to earn the honour for the first time in a career that includes 576 NHL victories.
Hitchcock led the Blues to a 43-15-11 record after replacing Davis Payne in early November.
The 61-year-old has been nominated for the Jack Adams Award on three previous occasions.