Spencer Carbery became the first Washington Capitals head coach since 2016 to win the Jack Adams Award on Saturday after leading the Caps to the top spot in the Eastern Conference this past season.
Carbery, in just his second year as a head coach, led the Capitals to a 51-22-9 record. They were the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff spot, a year after squeaking into the postseason during the last game of the 2023-24 campaign.
Carbery’s coaching style has achieved success at all three levels of North American professional hockey, as he’s the only person in history to win coach of the year honors in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
Carbery received congratulations across the spectrum for his accomplishment, including from Alex Ovechkin, members of his coaching staff, local coaches in DC, and NHL head coaches with ties to Carbs.
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals captain
“Hey, Carbs. On behalf of all players, congrats on Jack Adams’ award. Well deserved on that.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Emily Engle-Natzke, Washington Capitals video coach
“Amazing coach but an even more amazing, genuine person. Working with him everyday and being part of his staff is an honor and an absolute privilege.”
Source: @e.engel.natzke/IG Story
Wendy Marco, Washington Capitals skating coach
“So deserved! Congrats Coach. It’s an honor to be a part of the @capitals organization under your leadership.”
Source: @coldrushhockey/IG Story
Bryan Helmer, Hershey Bears VP of Hockey Operations
“You’re a heck of a coach. How you handle yourself on and off the ice, you get the best out of your players, and you have fun doing it.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Rob Concannon, South Carolina Stingrays president
Gave Carbery his first coaching job in the ECHL
“You have a unique ability to lead and communicate and bring a team together, and it’s no different today in the NHL than it was in the ECHL.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks head coach
An assistant coach on Carbery’s ECHL staff
Served as an assistant coach under Carbery with the Stingrays for three years
“Years ago, we knew in South Carolina that you’d be on your way to being a really good, successful NHL head coach. So nothing surprises me what you do with that team and your staff.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Cail MacLean, Calgary Flames assistant coach
Coached Carbery as a player on the Stingrays and then brought him on as an assistant coach
“Time’s flown since we were back in South Carolina in the coach’s office, trying to sort through salary caps and player housing, hoping one day that we’d be able to just worry about hockey as we were doing our coaching jobs.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Jared Bednar, Colorado Avalanche head coach
Brought Carbery to South Carolina as the former general manager and head coach of the Stingrays
“Last year, I was impressed with what you did with your team. And then this year, you just took it to a whole nother level, buddy. And it was really impressive. I was not surprised at all, but I was thoroughly impressed.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders head coach
“Hey Spencer, DQ here, man. Want to say congrats on the Jack Adams Award, man. Coach of the year, it’s a big deal. We’re all pumped for you, bro. Keep it rocking.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals manager
“Congratulations on being named Coach of the Year this year. What an unbelievable season you guys have had, and what a great job you have done. Looking forward to your successes in the future. Once again, congratulations. Well done.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Brian Keefe, Washington Wizards head coach
“Hey Spencer, congratulations on Coach of the Year. What a tremendous job leading your team. Really happy for you. Congrats again.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Troy Lesesne, D.C. United head coach
“Incredibly well deserved, not only for the success that you’ve had coaching the Capitals, but just how you are as a leader. I mean, the way you treat people is something that inspires me. And I really think that what you’re doing with the Capitals is special. And from everyone here at DC United, we want to wish you the best. And one more time, congratulations on a fantastic season.”
Source: @Capitals/X
Sydney Johnson, Washington Mystics head coach
“Congratulations, Coach Carbery, on winning the Jack Adams Award. So impressed with how you’ve led the Capitals this year. And you know we’re rooting for you here with the Mystics. All the best to you. Take care.”
Source: @Capitals/X