CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Former Women's Ice Hockey Coach and Men's Ice Hockey netminder Joe Bertagna was awarded the 2023 Lester Patrick Trophy at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration yesterday. 
 
One of the most prestigious awards in the game, the accolade highlights outstanding service to hockey within the United States and honors the memory of Lester Patrick who spent decades in the hockey world as a player, coach, and executive. 
 
The first Head Coach in Harvard Women's Hockey history Bertagna coached the program for two seasons before going on to help create the Women's Hockey East league and women's ECAC hockey conference. Bertagna was the commissioner of the ECAC for 15 years before later becoming the Hockey East commissioner for another 23 years. 
 
In addition to coaching and playing at Harvard, Bertagna is also well known throughout the goalie world after serving as the goaltending coach for the Bruins, the 1994 Men's Olympic team, U.S Men's National team and Milwaukee Admirals throughout his illustrious hockey career. 
 
Bertagna is the first member from the Harvard community to win the award.