The American Hockey Coaches Association was formed in 1947 in Boston. The founding members coached college ice hockey but membership has grown to include coaches at every level of the sport from youth hockey to professional ice hockey, although the organization maintains a focus on the collegiate game.
Aside from its collaborative and community functions, the association also names several award winners each year, most significantly the college ice hockey All-Americans in both divisions and both genders.
They also name the top coach in each of the divisions and genders:
- Spencer Penrose Award, Division I men
- Women's Division I Coach of the Year
- Edward Jeremiah Award, Division III men
- Women's Division III Coach of the Year
- Joe Burke Award presented annually to the person who has given outstanding contribution, support, and dedication to women’s ice hockey