Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron has been named the recipient of the 2021 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, given to the player “who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season.”
Bergeron is the 15th winner of the award, which was first handed out in 2007. The recipient is chosen by Hall of Famer Mark Messier himself, from nominees suggested by fans, clubs and NHL personnel.
Named captain of the B’s prior to the 2020-21 campaign, Bergeron went on to post 23 goals and 48 points in 54 games — second among all Bruins in both categories — while earning his 10th consecutive nomination for the Selke Trophy as the game’s best two-way forward.
His success on the ice came alongside his continued work supporting a number of initiatives aimed at growing the game and uplifting his community.
“It’s a huge honour,” Bergeron said Wednesday, of winning the award. “Obviously there’s more than just X’s and O’s and playing the game of hockey, it’s about the community and what impact you can bring to people — obviously to your team, and beyond that — to grow the game of hockey.”
Thanking the rest of the Bruins leadership group — namely alternate captains Brad Marchand and David Krejci — Bergeron also gave thanks to those that wore the ‘C’ on their sweater in Boston before he did.
“I’ve been so fortunate to be able to learn from great leaders before me and this award is also a testament to them and the culture that they’ve created here.”
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