GIORDANO NAMED MARK MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD FINALIST

CALGARY - Mark Giordano has been named one of the three finalists for the 2019 Mark Messier Leadership Award.
It is annually given 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.
Mark Messier solicits suggestions from team and League personnel to compile a list of potential candidates for the award. However, the selection of the three finalists and ultimate winner is Messier's alone. The winner will be revealed Wednesday, June 19, during the 2019 NHL Awards presented by Bridgestone at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Playing his 13th NHL season, Giordano recorded career highs in both assists and points (17-57-74 in 78 GP) to lead the Flames to their first conference title since 1989-90. The 35-year-old defenceman also topped the League with a career-best +39 rating while logging the most minutes of any Calgary skater (1,890:39). Away from the rink, the Flames captain continued to make an impact in the local community and beyond. He launched "Team Giordano" - in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education - in 2014 to promote improved physical fitness and academics, as well as leadership development, at five high-needs schools in the area. That initiative has raised $400,000, impacting the lives of 2,900 students. Giordano also participated in other community endeavors, including the team's literacy program and the Calgary Pride Parade.
Giordano is also one of the three finalists for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the League's top defencemen.
The other two finalists for this year's Mark Messier Leadership Awards are Nashville's Wayne Simmonds and Carolina's Justin Williams.
The NHL Awards returns to Las Vegas this summer at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Wednesday, June 19. It marks the first year that the NHL Awards will be held at the resort's sports and entertainment venue as well as the first time that Bridgestone will serve as the presenting sponsor of the event. NBCSN and Sportsnet will broadcast the 2019 NHL Awards presented by Bridgestone live in the United States and Canada at 6:00 p.m. MT.