Nov. 11, 2007

New York, N.Y. - Former Friar women's ice hockey great Cammi Granato was one of four recipients of the NHL's 2007 Lester Patrick Award. Granato was bestowed with the award at a luncheon held by the National Hockey League in New York City on November 7. Granato become the first individual female to win the award.

While at Providence, Granato was named ECAC Player of the Year three consecutive seasons and made the ECAC All-Star team in all four seasons. Granato led the Friars to two ECAC Championship titles and finished her career with an amazing 256 points, a record she holds to this day. She is also the leader for single-season points with 84 (1992-93), goals with 48 (1991-92), and assists with 43 (1992-93). She is the all-time leading goal scorer at Providence College with an impressive 139 career tallies, and ranks second all-time in assists with 117.

After her impressive career as a Friar, Granato went on to play for Team USA beginning in 1990. She played at the World Championships in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999 and 2000, as well as for the US Olympic teams in 1998 and 2002 where she was the team's captain both years. At the 1998 Olympics, she led Team USA to the gold medal and earned the honor of carrying the U.S. flag at the Games' Closing Ceremonies. In both 1992 and 1997, Granato made the World Championship All-Tournament Team and in 1996 she was named USA Hockey Player of the Year.

Granato also worked as a commentator for Los Angeles Kings radio broadcasts in 1998-99, becoming the second female broadcaster in NHL history, and for NBC in its coverage of the NHL and 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.

The Lester Patrick Award is considered to be one of the most prestigious in hockey. It honors the memory of Lester Patrick, who spent 50 years in hockey as a player, coach, and general manager, and was a pioneer in the sport's development. The award is given to individuals in order to honor their contributions to the game of hockey.