In an interesting twist for the real estate industry, Anthony Rossi, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the annual Lester Patrick Trophy, which is awarded annually by the National Hockey League. The award is given to individuals who have provided outstanding service to ice hockey in the United States.

Rossi is the current president of RMK Management Corp. and M&R Development, both based in Chicago. RMK currently manages over 8,000 apartment homes in Chicago, Minneapolis and Merrillville, Indiana. M&R is a developer specializing in luxury, multi-family housing ventures.

The Lester Patrick Trophy–named after the legendary New York Rangers player, coach and general manager–was first awarded in 1966. Past recipients of the award include Bobby Hull, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux. Along with Rossi, three others are being honored with the Lester Patrick Trophy: Mark Johnson, former player and coach; Jeff Sauer, former coach and assistant to the commissioner of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association; and Bob Pulford, Chicago Blackhawks coach and executive.

“Hockey has been such an important part of my life for so many years, so to have my name among the coaching and playing legends who have received this award is truly incredible,” said Rossi.

The honor has been given to Rossi for 50-years of volunteer service to USA Hockey. Rossi was elected to the USA Hockey Board of Directors and was elected to the USA Hockey Executive Committee in 1995. He currently serves as vice president and international council chair for USA Hockey and is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation Council. Rossi has also been given credit for aiding in the formation of the USA Hockey Foundation, a non-profit organization providing financial support for USA Hockey.

“Tony has had an enormously positive impact on hockey in the United States and is most deserving of being honored with the Lester Patrick Trophy,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “He genuinely cares about the advancement of the game and has graciously given of his time over the past 40-plus years to help make our sport better.”

The award ceremony to celebrate the newest recipients of the Lester Patrick Award will be held at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 26.