Former Vancouver Canucks head coach and Jack Adams Award winner Bruce Boudreau was always considered a bit of a scrappy underdog, which might be why he fit in so well with the American Hockey League.
Boudreau sits 12th overall all-time in AHL scoring with 799 points in 634 games, but those offensive skills didn't translate to the National Hockey League consistently enough for him to earn a permanent spot in the top league in the world.
Despite not becoming a superstar at the NHL level, Boudreau developed into an excellent pro at the AHL level and went on to use those skills he learned to continue on in the game as a head coach. He led both the Manchester Monarchs and the Hershey Bears to the playoffs in all eight full AHL seasons he was behind the bench and won the Calder Cup with Hershey in 2006.
Boudreau then became the head coach for the Washington Capitals in 2007 and won the Jack Adams in 2008. He went onto win 50 games twice with Washington before joining the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and then the Canucks as bench boss. He ranks 24th all-time in NHL coaching wins with 617 and holds a winning percentage of .568.
But those years in the AHL transformed him as a pro and a person, which is why a panel of AHL media decided to name an unofficial award – honouring the most outstanding AHL player who is not playing on an NHL contract, recognizing their leadership, consistency, and impact on the league – as the Bruce Boudreau Award.
Many talented, hardworking players thrive in the AHL without ever signing an NHL contract. These players are often the backbone of their teams, leaders in the locker room, and consistent contributors on the ice, yet they rarely receive recognition beyond their immediate markets. The Boudreau award spotlights those who make a lasting impact in the league as true AHL players, upholding the league's competitive spirit and professional standard year after year.
Boudreau said he's thrilled to be associated with an award that recognizes some of the unsung heroes of the AHL.
"I think they deserve recognition," he said. "Because a lot of times it's the American Hockey League player that makes the young NHL prospect a lot better. And they do it in spite of the fact that they're going to take their job eventually."
He said that one of the most important traits that prospects can learn at the AHL level is leadership and that Boudreau Award winners will possess that quality.
"They teach the young prospects how to be pros, most of that is from the players and not coaches," he said. "That's what makes young players so good, it's if they have that AHL pro leadership. The veterans are willing to take a backseat and that can make winners out of young players."
Grand Rapids Griffins forward Dominik Shine has been named the recipient of the inaugural Bruce Boudreau Award.
An undrafted signee in 2017, Shine has played eight seasons with the Griffins, accumulating 184 points in 483 regular-season games and an additional 10 points in 22 playoff appearances. In the 2024-25 season he recorded 46 points in 61 games. The Pinckney, Mich. native played for USHL Lincoln and Northern Michigan University before turning pro.
The panel noted Shine has become a cornerstone of Grand Rapids’ veteran leadership group, wearing an “A” since 2023. Known affectionately as the “Mayor of Grand Rapids,” Shine has taken a leadership role off the ice helping players from around the world acclimate and connect to their new hometown.
“I love it in Grand Rapids,” said Shine. “It's become home for me. I just want to be that guy that makes guys want to be a part of the organization.”
Griffins head coach Dan Watson cites Shine’s development as an example that different players mature at different rates and uses his story to motivate prospects.
On Jan. 27, 2025, the Detroit Red Wings rewarded Shine’s success, dedication and contribution to the organization with a two-year NHL contract, taking the call while he and his son were out buying his first pair of skates. Shine played nine NHL games to finish the season, earning his first NHL point in his third game.
“You're doing what you used to do as a 10 year-old kid,” said Shine. “We're so lucky to be able to do that, especially at this level. It's just a great honour.”
The inaugural voting panel included Ben Birnell (Utica), Mark Divver (Providence), Ben Lypka (Abbotsford), Stephen Meserve (Texas) and Patrick Williams (AHL). For the 2024–25 season, players were nominated from each division before the panel selected the league-wide winner. The next honoree will be named in April 2026.
For more information, visit boudreauaward.com.
