EDMONTON ( – Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano is the 2019-20 recipient of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, which is presented “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey.”
Messier solicits suggestions from team and League personnel to compile a list of potential candidates for the award. However, the selection of the winner is Messier’s alone.
The 2019-20 season was Giordano’s 14th in the NHL. Leading his team to a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth, Giordano recorded 31 points during the regular season and appeared in all 10 Flames postseason games.
Away from the rink, the Flames captain continued to make an impact in the local community and beyond. Giordano was the 2017 winner of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, given to an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports. He received this recognition for his efforts with Habitat for Humanity and in 2014 launched “Team Giordano,” to promote improved physical fitness and academics, as well as leadership development, at high-needs schools in the area. His commitment to these schools included a ball hockey/sport court, floor hockey equipment, school supplies and new computers along with student mentorship opportunities. This initiative has raised $500,000, impacting the lives of over 11,000 students. Giordano also participates in other community endeavors, including the team’s literacy program, the You Can Play Project and is an ambassador for inclusion, access and development of hockey through Calgary Flames Foundation programming.
The 36-year-old Toronto native has captured his third NHL trophy, adding to the NHL Foundation Player Award for outstanding charitable work and community service (2015-16) and the Norris Trophy (2018-19) as the League’s top defenseman. His Norris-winning campaign included career highs in both assists and points (17-57–74 in 78 GP) and a career-best +39 rating in leading the Flames to their first conference title since 1989-90.
For more on the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, including a list of past winners, click here.
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