Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper was surprised with the 2025-26 Jack Adams Award on Wednesday [1].
The honor recognizes the coach adjudged to have contributed most to his team's success during the season [2]. This marks a milestone for Cooper, who has led the Lightning for 13 full NHL seasons [3].
Cooper received the award at Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida [1]. The surprise occurred during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Coop’s Catch for Kids Family Lounge [1].
Despite his long tenure and significant team achievements, this is the first Jack Adams Award of Cooper's career [4]. He has previously guided the Lightning to two Stanley Cup championships, and four Stanley Cup Final appearances [3].
The award was announced for the 2025-26 season [1]. The ceremony blended the professional achievement of the coach of the year honor with the community-focused opening of the family lounge at the children's hospital [1].
“Jon Cooper was surprised with the 2025-26 Jack Adams Award on Wednesday.”
The granting of the Jack Adams Award to Jon Cooper after 13 seasons suggests a recognition of sustained excellence and a specific peak in performance during the 2025-26 campaign. By presenting the award at a children's hospital, the NHL and the Lightning organization linked professional sporting success with community philanthropy, reinforcing the coach's public image beyond the ice.
