Brown a finalist for the Messier Leadership Award

Dustin Brown has been announced as one of the three finalists for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, an award presented annually since 2007 “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season.”

In addition to Brown, Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks were revealed as finalists. All three finalists are captains of their respective teams. Brown and Toews were nominated last year for the award, which was ultimately presented to Daniel Alfredsson.

It is the third consecutive year Brown has been nominated for the Messier Leadership Award.

Though suggestions for nominees are solicited from fans, clubs and NHL personnel, the selection of the three finalists and the ultimate winner is made by Messier.

For the fifth consecutive season, Brown has donated $50 for every hit delivered to foundations including the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization that builds playgrounds and “promotes healthy and active lifestyles in communities across the United States.” Brown has raised $60,000 for KaBOOM!, leading to the construction of a new playground in Carson in 2010.

Past winners of the Bridgestone Messier Leadership Award:

2007 – Chris Chelios, Detroit Red Wings
2008 – Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs
2009 – Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
2010 – Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
2011 – Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
2012 – Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
2013 – Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

Brown has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Kings, serving as their captain for the past six campaigns. Known for his physical style of play, he donates $50 per hit to a different charity each season. In
2012-13 and 2013-14, Brown selected Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’
Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit. Prior to that, he and his wife partnered with the nonprofit KaBOOM! to raise $70,000 and build a new playground in Carson, Calif., that now hosts more than 100 kids per day.
The 29-year-old Ithaca, N.Y., native is a finalist for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award for the third time, having also been nominated the past two seasons.