Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan will be adding some more hardware to his mantle as his has been named the winner of the 2011-12 Mark Messier Leadership Award, an award that goes to the 'superior leader' and contributing member of society in all of the NHL.
"I am thrilled to receive the Mark Messier Leadership Award," Doan said. "Growing up in Alberta, I was a huge fan of Mark Messier and to receive this award from one of the greatest leaders to ever play in the NHL is a tremendous honor."
Coyotes GM Mark Messier had nothing but praises to sing about his captain either:
"It is hard to imagine a more worthy recipient of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award than Shane Doan," Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said. "The leadership and inspiration he displays daily in our locker room is only exceeded by his selfless giving in our community. It's a well-deserved honor."
Doan is an ambassador for Coyotes Charities and works with a number of organizations including such as the United Blood Services, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Flashes of Hope and Children First Academy -- a kindergarten through eighth grade school for homeless children.
The finalists this year were Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown and New York Rangers forward Ryan Callahan.
For more on the Phoenix Coyotes, make sure to check out Five for Howling and SB Nation Arizona.
