Alfredsson wins Messier Award

Jun 14, 2013 - 10:46 PM Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson was the 2013 recipient of 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.

Alfredsson, 40, has spent his entire career with the Senators since making his debut at the start of the 1995 season and is the team's all-time leader in goals (426) and assists (682). He posted 10 goals and 16 assists this season and was a steadying presence on a team that was depleted by injuries, but still made the playoffs.

He has been a consistent presence in the city through his charitable works, which has included working with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health as well as the Sens Foundation.

Also nominated for the award were Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings, and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks.