Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs is stepping down after 19 years as chairman of the NHL’s Board of Governors, the league announced Tuesday.
By unanimous election, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis will take over as chairman, while Calgary Flames owner Murray Edwards will move into the vice-chair role.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised Jacobs’ run in a statement, calling his leadership a blend of “steadiness and vision.” Bettman said Jacobs’ “wisdom and unwavering commitment” helped steer the league through “a period of unprecedented growth, both on and off the ice.” He also thanked him for his “extraordinary service” and “enduring legacy as one of the great leaders in the history of our game.”
Bettman also singled out Leonsis, saying his “entrepreneurial instincts and forward-thinking approach have helped shape the direction of our League for more than two decades.” He added that Leonsis has been “an invaluable leader and a thoughtful voice in our boardroom.”
Jacobs, 86, has owned the Bruins since 1975 and also serves as chairman of concessions giant Delaware North. In recent years, his son Charlie - the CEO of Delaware North Boston Holdings and alternate governor - has been the family’s most visible presence around the team in Boston.
In his own statement, Jacobs said chairing the board was “one of the greatest honors of my life, both professionally and personally.” He said he was first elected in 2007 and that “nearly 20 years later, it’s well past time for me to pass the torch.”
Jacobs said he was proud of what the board and Bettman had accomplished over the last two decades, pointing to “landmark media rights deals,” expansion into new North American markets, hockey’s growth on the world stage in new markets and marquee events, and efforts to make the game safer for players and “more fun and accessible for fans.”
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