The National Hockey League has announced that Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan has been named as a finalist for the 2011-12 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, presented by Bridgestone. The winner will be announced at the 2012 NHL Awards at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
The award recognizes an individual who is a superior leader in hockey and as a contributing member of society. It honors an individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes.
The other two finalists for the award are Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings and Ryan Callahan of the New York Rangers.
"Mark Messier was one of the greatest leaders to ever play in the NHL and I am honored to be nominated for his award," said Doan. "I would like to congratulate Dustin and Ryan on being selected as finalists. They are both great leaders."
Through the 2012 NHL Playoffs Doan was praised as being the model of what a NHL captain should be. His ability to respond when his team needs it most and being able to rally the roster in anyway possible is unrivaled.
Messier, a six-time Stanley Cup champion and 16-time NHL All-Star in his 25 NHL seasons, is widely viewed as one of the greatest sports leaders of all time. Among his numerous hockey and humanitarian honors, one of the most special was the naming of the Mark Messier Skyway at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey for his 15 years of dedication and commitment to help raise millions of dollars to benefit children with cancer and other serious blood disorders.