Bruins captain, Patrice Bergeron wins Mark Messier Leadership award
The Daily Goal Horn
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Despite falling short of winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy for an unprecedented fifth time, Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron still earned league hardware Wednesday when he was awarded the 2021 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award
The honor, which is given by the Hall of Fame center Messier himself, although he takes suggestions from coaches and players throughout the season. It is given annually to the player “who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season.”
Patrice Bergeron wins Mark Messier Leadership award
“It’s a huge honor,” Bergeron said to Messier upon being announced the winner. “Obviously, there’s more than just the Xs and Os and playing the game of hockey. It’s about the community and what impact it can bring to people, obviously to your team but beyond that and to grow the game of hockey.”
Bergeron, who turns 36 next month, recorded 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) in 54 games this season and led all Bruins forwards in blocked shots (36).
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov was named the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy winner last Friday, an annual honor given to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
Bergeron won the Selke in 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17, and was a finalist for a record 10th consecutive season.
–Field Level Media