SUNRISE, Fla. -- Ottawa 67's center Travis Konecny, a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, was named Saturday as the first recipient of the "E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence."
The "E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence" is an annual award presented to the draft-eligible prospect who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.
It was created in honor of E.J. McGuire, who served as NHL director of Central Scouting for seven years before dying of cancer in April 2011. A head coach at the collegiate, junior and American Hockey League levels, an assistant coach for three NHL teams over 12 seasons, and a scout for two teams, McGuire began serving as director of Central Scouting in 2005.