New York, NY (Sports Network) - Boston's Zdeno Chara, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Calgary's Jarome Iginla have been selected as finalists for the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
The award recognizes an individual as 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.
Messier, a six-time Stanley Cup champion in a 25-year NHL career, solicits suggestions from club and league personnel, as well as fans, in compiling a list of potential candidates. However, the selection of the three finalists and the ultimate winner is Messier's alone.
Chara helped the Bruins to the top record in the Eastern Conference this past season and is a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman.
Last summer, the native of Slovakia climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to focus attention on Right to Play, the international charitable organization that uses sport and play to enhance child development in areas of disadvantage. Chara also raised $18,000 for Right to Play by winning the Hardest Shot competition at 2009 NHL All-Star Weekend after getting his competitors, the NHL and the NHLPA to contribute to a pot to go to the victor's charity of choice.
Crosby, the Hart Trophy winner in his second NHL season of 2006-07, has helped the Penguins to their second straight Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
The 22-year-old superstar hosts a suite for underprivileged children at every Penguins home game in conjunction with the Make a Wish Foundation. He funds and serves as an on-ice instructor for the Penguins' Learn to Play Program that introduces the game to youngsters and, with support from Reebok, outfits them from head to toe.
Iginla, who grew up in Edmonton idolizing Messier, has twice been the NHL goal-scoring leader and captured the Art Ross Trophy as the scoring champion for the 2001-02 season. He led the Flames to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004 and is a five-time All-Star.
Since 2000, Iginla has been an ambassador for KidSport Calgary, which purchases equipment and pays registration fees for disadvantaged families, and donates $2,000 for every goal he scores. He supports the Juvenile Diabetes and Doctors Without Borders foundations and is a member of the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation. In addition, he was given the 2004 NHL Foundation Award for community service and the 2004 King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his humanitarian contributions.
The winner will be announced Thursday, June 18, during the 2009 NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
Last year's winner was Toronto's Mats Sundin. Chris Chelios of Detroit won the inaugural award in 2007.