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Kris Knoblauch Crowned “Best Coach” and Honored as 2025 NHL Philanthropy Icon
EDMONTON, Alberta — Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has officially been crowned as the 2025 NHL “Best Coach” and honored as the league’s Philanthropy Icon of the Year, a rare and powerful dual recognition that has sent waves through the hockey world and beyond.
This announcement came during the highly anticipated NHL Awards Ceremony, where Knoblauch was praised not only for his tactical brilliance and leadership behind the bench but also for his selfless commitment to uplifting communities across Alberta.
Knoblauch, who took over the Oilers in the 2023–24 season, quickly turned the team into a powerhouse. With strategic discipline, exceptional player communication, and a calm yet confident presence, he guided Edmonton to the top of the Western Conference and deep into playoff contention. His efforts earned high praise from players, media, and fans alike.
> “He’s not just a coach,” said Oilers captain Connor McDavid. “He’s a culture-setter. A motivator. He changed the way we think about the game — and each other.”
However, what truly sets Knoblauch apart is what he’s done off the ice.
In 2024, he launched the “Hearts on Ice” Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth mental health, education, and community development. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into a province-wide movement, with Knoblauch often seen visiting schools, organizing fundraising events, and advocating for accessible mental health services for children and young athletes.
According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, the Philanthropy Icon Award was created to spotlight individuals who embody the spirit of leadership, compassion, and community.
> “Kris Knoblauch has reshaped the meaning of coaching,” Bettman said. “He inspires excellence not just on the scoreboard, but in the hearts of everyone around him. He represents the best of what the NHL stands for.”
Through “Hearts on Ice,” over $3.2 million has been raised for programs across Alberta, supporting everything from after-school clubs to sports access for underprivileged kids. His hands-on involvement has not gone unnoticed — Knoblauch is often found behind the scenes, volunteering quietly without cameras or fanfare.
> “He listens. He shows up. He leads by example,” said one Edmonton teacher involved in a Hearts on Ice mentorship program. “You can tell he genuinely cares.”
As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, expectations are high for the Oilers — but there’s also a sense that something bigger is happening in Edmonton. With Knoblauch at the helm, the team is playing with unity, drive, and a sense of greater purpose.
More than just a coach, Kris Knoblauch has become a symbol of integrity in professional sports — a leader who proves that success isn’t measured only by wins, but by impact.
To Kris Knoblauch: A visionary leader, a champion of hearts, and the soul of Edmonton.