Hamilton's Guy Boucher named American Hockey League's outstanding coach

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Hamilton Bulldogs coach Guy Boucher was named the winner of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award on Wednesday as the American Hockey League's outstanding coach.

Boucher has guided the Bulldogs to a 51-17-3-7 record in his first season with the club. Hamilton has already clinched top spot in the Western Conference standings with 112 points.

"I've always believed that coach of the year is an award that belongs to everyone, the assistant coaches, the players, the management, the scouts and the staff, so I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire organization," Boucher said in a release.

Coaches and media in each of the league's 29 cities vote on the award.

"I am thrilled that Guy's great work this season has been recognized by his peers," Bulldogs GM Julien Brisebois said. "His comprehensive approach to coaching a hockey team allowed him to have a smooth transition into professional hockey and he hit the ground running from the time he was hired last June.

"His proactive communication with the players and his personal commitment to helping them grow as players and individuals has been one of the cornerstones to the team's success thus far this season."

Boucher, a 38-year-old native of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Que., joined the AHL team after spending about 12 years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.