Mark Messier
Mark Messier
Mark Douglas Messieris a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre of the National Hockey League and former special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers. He played a quarter of a century in the NHLwith the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. He also played professionally with the World Hockey Association's Indianapolis Racers and Cincinnati Stingers. He was the last former WHA player to be active in professional hockey, and the last active...
NationalityCanadian
ProfessionHockey Player
Date of Birth18 January 1961
CityEdmonton, Canada
CountryCanada
When I did play the most important thing for me was to win. And maybe winning just wasn't as important as it once was and I think once I really came to terms with that, that was kind of the deciding factor for me.
Other than my dad, no one believed in me more and did more for me as a person and player.
I don't think any one individual can stand alone.
Besides, ... anyone who plays at 50-odd years old deserves that record.
I wouldn't come back to play for that reason, ... I know that was talked about, but there has to be other reasons. I thought I achieved a lot in my 25 years and it was time to go.
One of the best experiences I've had in hockey.
I've never really thought about any individual records or anything like that for most of my career,
I've always planned to be involved in the game, ... But I don't know in what capacity at this time. I'm going to be open to offers and suggestions and see what fits best.
I hear about it every day, every day,
I'm looking at it, I guess, as a celebration. Can't you tell I'm celebrating?
I had conversations with Kevin and he's a good friend, but I thought it best to just stay in New York and announce my retirement here,
I never thought about any individual records. Coming back to break any records, especially that record, wasn't all that appealing to me.
I really had the time to take my time and see how I felt,
Coaching really is an individual philosophy.