Mark Messier

Lore & Background

Messier began his professional career in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers and Cincinnati Stingers, and was the last WHA player active in professional hockey. He was drafted 48th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1979 NHL entry draft. Initially a left-winger, he switched to centre during the 1984 playoffs, leading the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He was known as 'The Moose' for his aggression and strength, and later as 'The Messiah' for ending the New York Rangers' 54-year Stanley Cup drought in 1994 as captain.

Reader's Guide

Messier's significance lies in his unparalleled leadership and playoff performance. He is second all-time in playoff points (295) and third in regular season games played (1756) and points (1887). He is the only player to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup championships—five with the Oilers and one with the Rangers. He twice won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP (1990, 1992) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, his first year of eligibility. In 2017, he was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to hockey and youth participation.

Did You Know?

• Messier was the last active player in any major North American professional sports league to have played in the 1970s.
• He missed a wide-open net during the 'Miracle on Manchester' playoff game in 1982, which the Oilers lost in overtime.
• His first professional goal was accidental—a flip from near center ice that took a bad bounce and went in.
• He was suspended for ten games in 1984 for sucker-punching Jamie Macoun from behind.