Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara was named the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone winner Wednesday night.
Messier, the NHL legend, hailed Chara not only for his on-ice contributions as the team captain, but also for his off-ice charitable initiatives.
Chara, who was up for the Norris Trophy, but lost to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom, is a long-time supporter of Right To Play, a program that uses sport to improve thge lives of children from disadvantaged areas. He also was a big contributor to the Bruins' PJ Drive and Cuts for a Cause.