7 May 2024
Press Release
For immediate release
Mr. Jacques Martin, the winningest head coach in the history of the Ottawa Senators, will be honored as the Person of the Year at the 2024 Ascension Gala of the Regroupement des Gens d’Affaires de la Capitale Nationale (RGA)
Ottawa, May 7, 2024 – The Regroupement des Gens d’Affaires de la Capitale Nationale (RGA) is proud to announce that Mr. Jacques Martin, longtime head coach of the Ottawa Senators, has been designated as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 RGA Person of the Year award. He will be presented with his award on May 29th at the Ascension Gala.
The Ascension Gala, organized annually by the RGA for over 40 years, celebrates innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial success in the National Capital Region. The Person of the Year award is bestowed upon an individual who embodies these values and has a significant impact on the business community. Mr. Martin will be recognized for his exceptional career, community involvement, and significant contribution to the worlds of sports and business in the National Capital Region.
As the longest-tenured head coach with the Ottawa Senators, he has shown unwavering determination and has inspired both his players and the local community with his exemplary work ethic and passion.
“The RGA Person of the Year award is a prestigious distinction presented to an individual who personifies entrepreneurial excellence, inspiring leadership, and dedication to the business community in Ottawa. This award recognizes the remarkable achievements of those who have a significant impact on the region’s economic landscape and demonstrate exceptional commitment to the growth and success of local businesses. Our Person of the Year award recipient, Mr. Jacques Martin, is undoubtedly an inspirational role model for his players, his peers, and our entire francophone community.” – Carl Poirier, Chairman of the RGA Board of Directors
Mr. Jacques Martin, one of the greatest coaches in our community, was born in Rockland and raised in Saint-Pascal-Baylon, Ontario. Mr. Martin coached in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for three seasons before flourishing in the NHL. He has since spent over 35 years there, winning two consecutive Stanley Cups with the Penguins. He boasts a career coaching record of 1,350 NHL games and leads all-time Senators head coaches in games coached (748), wins (367), playoff games coached (69), and playoff wins (31).
These accomplishments have earned him several awards, including the Matt Leyden and Jack Adams trophies. In addition to his professional hockey achievements, Mr. Martin has always given back to his community, including the establishment of the Jacques Martin Hockey School, which has gained a reputation as the premier bilingual hockey school in Ontario and Quebec, as well as the Jacques Martin Golf Tournament, which has raised nearly $1.8 million for local charities over its 15-year existence.
“It is an honour to be recognized by the RGA. This award symbolizes the importance of teamwork, resilience, and passion. I dedicate this distinction to the entire Ottawa Senators team, as well as to the business community of the National Capital Region, of which I am proud to be a part. I am grateful to humbly represent our team at this prestigious event. We are also proud to participate in RGA activities by partnering with an opportunity that will support the growth of the organization and its members, Passe-moi la puck, while offering opportunities and memorabilia from the Senators to those who become sponsors. Thank you again to the entire RGA team for this exceptional award.” – Jacques Martin, Ottawa Senators coach
This year, in addition to the Person of the Year award, six (6) other awards will be presented by the RGA to highlight the remarkable contributions of businesses and professionals who excel in various fields.
The 2024 Ascension Gala will take place on May 29th at the Conference Centre of the Hotel-Casino Lac-Leamy. This event promises to be a memorable evening, showcasing the exceptional contributions of Mr. Martin and other business leaders and community leaders from the region in a spirit of celebration and networking. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the RGA website.
– 30 –
About the Regroupement des Gens d’Affaires de la Capitale Nationale
The Regroupement des Gens d’Affaires de la Capitale Nationale (RGA) is an essential business partner for francophone economic success. It aims to propel and support the success of francophone and francophile entrepreneurs in the region, focusing on cooperation, recognition, and the promotion of plurality.
For more information, please contact:
Mélanie Grenier
