RICHARD F CANNING TROPHY

Richard Canning served the AHL for over 50 years and is best remembered as the "father" of the league's Constitution, By-Laws and Regulations.

He began his hockey career in 1938 as a legal advisor to long-time friend and owner of the Providence Reds, Louis A.R. Pieri. He then joined the League in 1957 as executive vice president.

The following year, Mr. Canning was named President of the AHL, a position he held until 1961. In 1974, he returned as vice president and general counsel, where he worked until 1990.

Established in 1990, the Richard F. Canning Trophy was originally awarded to the Northern Division (1990-95) and Northern Conference (1996-97) playoff champions, and has gone to the Eastern Conference playoff champions since 1998.