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Mark Messier

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Mark Messier is one of the greatest ice hockey players to ever play the game.

Mark Messier - 2009
Mark Messier - 2009

He played professionally for 25 seasons from 1979 to 2004. Most of his career was spent in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Edmonton Oilers, the New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks. He also played in the World Hockey Association (WHA). Messier was a very strong and tough player on the ice. Because of his strength and aggression, people called him "The Moose."

Mark Messier retirement
Mark Messier retirement

Playing hockey requires great skill and leadership. Messier was a famous captain who led his teams to victory. He is the only player to captain two different teams to win the Stanley Cup. He won five championships with the Edmonton Oilers. He won one championship with the New York Rangers in 1994. This Rangers win ended a 54-year drought for the team. During that time, fans called him "The Messiah."

Stanley Cup - Basil Pocklington x'es
Stanley Cup - Basil Pocklington x'es

Messier's journey began in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. His father, Doug Messier, was a hockey player and a coach. Mark played junior hockey for the Spruce Grove Mets. At only 15 years old, he made the team. He later played for the St. Albert Saints. He also played for the Indianapolis Racers and the Cincinnati Stingers in the WHA. In 1979, the NHL took in several WHA teams. The Edmonton Oilers selected Messier in the third round of the NHL draft.

Mark Messier Retirement players1
Mark Messier Retirement players1

His career is filled with amazing numbers and awards. He played 1,756 regular season games in the NHL. He scored 1,887 regular season points. He also had 295 points during the playoffs. Messier won the Hart Memorial Trophy twice. This award goes to the league's most valuable player. He won it in 1990 and 1992. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1984. This trophy is for the most valuable player in the playoffs.

Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers Alumni Game Group Portrait
Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers Alumni Game Group Portrait

Many people remember Messier for his incredible leadership. In 1994, he promised the media that the Rangers would win. He then scored a "natural hat trick" in the third period. This means he scored three goals in one period. His hard work helped the Rangers win the championship. In 2007, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 greatest NHL players ever. He was also named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Mark Messier - 2009
Mark Messier - 2009
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File:Stanley Cup - Basil Pocklington x'es.JPG
Stanley Cup - Basil Pocklington x'es.JPG
File:Mark Messier Retirement players1.jpg
Mark Messier Retirement players1.jpg
File:Mark Messier retirement.jpg
Mark Messier retirement.jpg
File:Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers Alumni Game Group Portrait.jpg
Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers...
File:Mark Messier - 2009.jpg
Mark Messier - 2009.jpg
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