Former Princeton men's hockey coach Jim Higgins has been named the recipient of the John "Snooks" Kelley Founders Award, it was announced by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA).

The award honors people in the coaching profession who have contributed to the overall growth and development of the sport of ice hockey in the United States.

Higgins was the head coach at Princeton from 1977-91. During his 13 seasons he combined for a 130-219-21. Higgins left the coaching profession at the conclusion of the 1990-91 season, with a career record of 151-251-21.

While at Princeton, Higgins put in four years as an officer with the AHCA, serving as vice president from 1983-85 and then as president from 1985-87. Following his retirement from coaching, Higgins worked many years as a sale representative in the hockey equipment business, choosing to remain in the New Jersey Area.

The awards will be presented at the AHCA Convertion in Naples, Fla., May 1-5. 2013.