Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman was awarded the Governor General's highest honor on Friday, as he was invested with the Order of Canada.

"It's certainly different from my Stanley Cup rings, and I look forward to wearing it on special occasions," Bowman told reporters after the ceremony at Ottawa's Rideau Hall in which he received the red-and-white medallion from Governor General David Johnston.

Bowman, 78, is the winningest coach in NHL history, winning nine Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins in a career that spanned four decades. He currently serves as a senior adviser of operations with the Chicago Blackhawks under general manager Stan Bowman, his son.

Bowman was also recognized for his charitable work, which includes programs such as his "Scotty Bowman As Your Coach Contest" and fundraising for various causes.

The Order of Canada, established in 1967, is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Canadian, other than the Queen's Order of Merit. More than 5,000 people have been invested with the honor, including Red Wings greats Gordie Howe and Red Kelly. Other NHL stars so honored include Bobby Clarke, John Beliveau, Phil Esposito, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Hull, Guy Lafleur, Mario Lemieux, Trevor Linden, Roger Neilson, Bobby Orr, Willie O'Ree, Maurice Richard and Serge Savard.