Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan was nominated as a finalist today by the National Hockey League for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone. The award recipient will be selected by Messier after he speaks with team and league officials and listens to fans who have input into the award. Messier plans to be in attendance at the 2011-12 NHL Awards show to give the award to the lucky recipient personally.
Doan is one of three finalists for the award. Ryan Callahan of the New York Rangers and Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings were also named finalists. The award goes to the person who demonstrates leadership on the ice and a commitment to their community off the ice.
Messier, a 6-time Stanley Cup winner and 16-time NHL All-Star, was known throughout his playing career as a tremendous leader and ferocious competitor. All three finalists share those characteristics.
Doan helped hold the Coyotes dressing room together in a season that defied expectations. His community service and commitment to the Greater Phoenix area is legendary. In my opinion, while Callahan and Brown are fine nominees, they do not reflect the same importance to their team’s as does Shane Doan to the Coyotes. Doan should win this award and continue the Coyotes success into the offseason.
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Written by Michael Jenkins
I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. Graduated from THE University of Arizona. I now reside part time in San Francisco, CA. I am a diehard Phoenix Coyotes fan (season ticket holder since Day 1) and a diehard Chelsea FC fan. I am passionate, energetic and highly grateful to get the opportunity to work in this business again.
zard Jun 5 201211:47 pm
absolutely agree!! he should be rewarded for his leadership.