In addition to coaching the Rangers, Emile Francis formed the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League, which produced several future NHLers, including Brian Mullen and Nick Fotiu.

• Mazzola Wins 2009 Emile Francis Award

In recognition of all the tireless effort the youth hockey community demands, the New York Rangers established the Emile Francis Award in 2008

This award honors former Rangers Coach and General Manager Emile Francis, who not only is a longtime backer of minor hockey but also the founder of the Metropolitan Junior Hockey Association. The award gives the youth hockey community an opportunity to nominate fellow youth hockey supporters to be recognized for their outstanding service.

Nominees should exemplify selfless community outreach, integrity and passion for the growth of youth hockey and generously give their time to the next crop of NHL hopefuls. From these nominations one winner is selected and is honored on the ice between periods of a late-season Rangers game.

The winner of the inaugural Emile Francis Award was Christopher Schuler, a longtime youth hockey coach from Staten Island. He received his award on March 27, 2008 at Madison Square Garden. Anthony Mazzola, a youth coach from Middletown, N.J., became the second winner in 2009, receiving the award on March 24, 2009, at MSG.

PAST WINNERS:
2009 -- Anthony Mazzola, Middletown, N.J.
2008 -- Christopher Schuler, Staten Island, N.Y.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EMILE FRANCIS AWARD CALL THE RANGERS YOUTH HOCKEY HOTLINE AT (212) 465-6553