February 22, 2011
Posted in Ontario Edition
Monday, February 21, 2011 /
By Hockey Now Staff /
In addition to its Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award that recognizes an NHL player for superior hockey and community leadership, Bridgestone is now accepting applications for its 2011 Mark Messier Youth Leadership Award.
The youth award is meant to encourage leadership and community spirit while rewarding minor hockey players or mentors/coaches for their contributions to youth sports or education.
The 2010 Youth Award was given to Neal Henderson of Washington D.C. for his ongoing commitment to youth hockey and for his work teaching kids the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community service. Henderson received the award and a $5,000 grant from Bridgestone Americas on a national telecast before Game 3 of last year's Stanley Cup final. Hall of Famer Mark Messier made the presentation.
"We had so many impressive nominations for the award that it was difficult to choose a winner," Messier said. "Coach Henderson really embodies the things that [minor] hockey should be about. He's an educator on skates who's not only teaching young players how to be better players and teammates, he's teaching them to be leaders both on and off the ice."
Coach Henderson founded the Fort DuPont Hockey Club in Washington, D.C. in 1978. This developmental program provides local and inner-city youth with the opportunity to participate in an organized ice hockey program. It is the oldest minority youth hockey program in the U.S. and the goal is to teach young people discipline, via sports activities, to establish self-esteem, a sense of purpose and to offer an incentive to excel academically. The benefit of organized sports extends far beyond the rink: the girls and boys who join the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club learn life skills.
The award will also be open to individuals who have served as mentors or coaches and through their involvement over the years in minor hockey, have made a significant difference in the lives of kids in one or several roles: coaching administrating, sponsoring, officiating, timing, scoring, or things of that nature.
"Whether it's on the road, on the ice or at the rink, leadership can take many forms," said Phil Pacsi, vice president N.A. consumer tire marketing, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Mark Messier
&bul;set the standard for leadership on the ice and off."
Past winners of the NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award include Sidney Crosby, Mats Sundin, Chris Chelios, and Jarome Iginla.
Applicants for this year's Bridgestone Mark Messier Youth Leadership award are asked to write an essay outlining an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to minor hockey and/or the community. Deadline for applications is April 23, 2011.
For complete award and nomination guidelines for the award, please visit www.bridgestonetire.com in the coming weeks.
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