NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs and longtime scout Bob Crocker have been named recipients of the 2015 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.

The award, one of the most prestigious in hockey, was presented to the National Hockey League by the New York Rangers in 1966. 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.

"By honoring Jeremy Jacobs and Bob Crocker, the Lester Patrick Award selection committee has recognized the dedication and drive of two important contributors to hockey in the United States," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Jeremy Jacobs -- as owner for 41 years of the NHL's first U.S.-based team and long-serving Chairman of our Board of Governors -- has provided unparalleled vision, innovation and inspiration to the advancement of hockey and the NHL. As a coach, a scout and a hockey executive, Bob Crocker has devoted decades to the development of young American players. Congratulations to both on this long overdue recognition."

The recipients will be honored as part of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 17, in Boston. Ticket information will be available in September at www.ushockeyhalloffame.com.

Owner of the Bruins for 41 years and chairman of Delaware North -- one of the world's leading hospitality and food service companies -- for more than 40 years, Jacobs has served as Chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors since 2007 and also sits on the League's Executive Committee. A 2006 inductee into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, Jacobs and his family also have owned minor league baseball and hockey teams.

Jacobs has worked extensively in numerous charitable endeavors and was honored with the St. Jude Award for Inspiration in Sports at the 2013 Global Sports Summit. He also has been a leading advocate for U.S. tourism, serving several terms on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board upon appointment by the Secretary of Commerce and the White House. A graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Management and Harvard University's School of Business Advanced Management Program, Jacobs also holds honorary doctorates from the University at Buffalo, Canisius College, and Johnson & Wales University.

Nicknamed the "dean" of New England hockey scouts, Crocker has won three Stanley Cups scouting for the Rangers and Los Angeles Kings. He also has captured the Calder Cup with the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) and two NCAA titles with Boston University, where he served as freshman coach and key recruiter.

Crocker, who was inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, also served as head coach at the University of Pennsylvania for four seasons (1972-76) and assistant general manager of the Hartford Whalers for 12 seasons (1980-92). He scouted for the Rangers for 12 seasons (1993-05) before joining the Kings in 2005. A graduate of Boston University, Crocker played one varsity season for the Terriers in 1954-55.