The National Hockey League announced the finalists for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award on Tuesday. Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings, Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks.
This award is given annually to the player that best exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice. The award finalists are determined from suggestions from fans, clubs, and NHL personnel. The award winner is decided by Mark Messier himself. The Messier NHL Leadership Award will be awarded at the NHL Awards Show on June 24th in Las Vegas.
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Brown is the face of the Los Angeles Kings. He is known for his physical style of play, and constant hard work. He donates $50 dollars per hit to a different charity each season. He is also very active in numerous other charitable initiatives throughout the Los Angeles area. Brown has played his entire ten-year career in Los Angeles. This is the third straight year that Brown has been nominated for this award.
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Toews is known as one of the best captains, and leaders in the NHL. His leadership quality is one of the best amongst professional athletes. He has been captain of the Chicago Blackhawks since he was twenty years old. He is very active off the ice with numerous children’s charitable causes. The twenty-five year old Winnipeg native is a second time finalist for this award. Last season he was voted as the runner-up.
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
The twenty-eight year old Anaheim Ducks forward is very active in numerous charity work throughout the community. Getzlaff is being nominated for this award for the first time. Getzlaff has evolved into a true leader for the Ducks.
National Hockey League news and information website. Hockey news website/blog that covers the National Hockey League – offers a sometimes controversial but always entertaining approach to the great game of hockey.