Davidson celebrated by Blues after Hall honor

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Blues president John Davidson was honored again less than a week after receiving the Foster Hewitt Award for broadcasting during the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Davidson, in his fourth season as Blues president, was celebrated Saturday night before St. Louis hosted the San Jose Sharks.

The former NHL goalie and longtime hockey commentator was given the Foster Hewitt Award on Monday. He was honored for his two-plus decades behind the microphone for various television partners as well as for his dedication to the game and the league.

Davidson, the Blues’ first-round draft choice in 1973, spent 18 years of his broadcasting career with New York’s MSG Network as an analyst alongside Rangers play-by-play man Sam Rosen.

He became the seventh president in Blues’ history on June 30, 2006.

“It all started for me here as a player in 1973, and now I stand here in 2009 and I can’t tell you how humbled I am,” Davidson said. “To be in the broadcasting wing, and I’d still like to say that over the years, I’ve met many, many wonderful people in all aspects that have helped me along the way.”

Under Davidson’s guidance, the Blues have risen in the standings. They made the playoffs last season after finishing at the bottom of the NHL the previous year.

St. Louis went from 21-46-15 in the 2006-07 season to 41-31-10 a season ago — a mark that included a 25-9-7 run in the second half. That helped the Blues claim the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.

Davidson also hosted the on-ice festivities before Wayne Gretzky’s final NHL game. He also has been the lead analyst for multiple NHL All-Star games, the Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup finals.

“To me, hockey is the greatest game in the world,” Davidson said. “I am very honored.”