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It’s one of the NHL’s worst kept secrets: Mark Giordano is a good guy. It really doesn’t get more simple than that statement. The Flames Captain is a leader on the ice, as he’s always known as one of the “good guys” and rarely, if ever finds himself in some shenanigans. Off the ice, he’s even better as he is known for devoting his time to local charities in the Calgary community. Well all of those efforts paid off today as Mark Giordano was named the Mark Messier Leadership Award winner for the 2019-20 season.
Mark Giordano (@MarkGio05) is this year's recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award! #NHLAwards
— NHL (@NHL) September 13, 2020
MORE: https://t.co/ZLVLYjqcRn pic.twitter.com/g6Z7XjgNVf
The award is handed out annually to the player who “leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes.” Mark Messier himself selects the recipient and the award has been handed out over the last 14 seasons. Giordano is the second Flames player ever to win the award, following in Jarome Iginla’s footsteps who won the award in 2008-2009.
Calgary’s veteran defenceman can add this award to his growing post season trophy case. In addition to the Messier Leadership Award, Giordano also has a Norris Trophy (2019), NHL Foundation Player Award (2016) and the ESPY Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award (2017).
Past Mark Messier Leadership Award Winners
2006-07: Chris Chelios
2007-08: Mats Sundin
2008-09: Jarome Iginla
2009-10: Sidney Crosby
2010-11: Zdeno Chara
2011-12: Shane Doan
2012-13: Daniel Alfredsson
2013-14: Dustin Brown
2014-15: Jonathan Toews
2015-16: Shea Weber
2016-17: Nick Foligno
2017-18: Derek Engelland
2018-19: Wayne Simmonds