Mark Messier Goes Broadstreet Again

Even though it’s been 15 years since Mark Messier thrilled all of New York by leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup victory in 54 years, it’s safe to sat that the man they call ‘Moose’ can still go anywhere in the city and not have to pay for his own meal. Messier who had his number 11 retired and raised to the Madison Square Garden roof in January 2006 will best be remembered for his fearless leadership in 1994 when he led the Rangers to that thrilling game seven Stanley Cup win over the Vancouver Canucks. Messier who began his first of two stints with New York on October 4, 1991 will best be remembered for guaranteeing victory against the New Jersey Devils in that ’94 Cup run. At that time the Rangers were facing elimination right in the face and not only did Messier’s prediction prove accurate but he also had the game of his life in scoring three goals. This fearless leader was on fire that spring as he continuously got fans out of their seat to celebrate goals as he produced 30 points including what turned out to be the Stanley Cup winning goal. Messier who won five Stanley Cups prior to this with the Edmonton Oilers earned another nickname of ‘Messiah’ after that ‘94 Cup victory. On Sunday Messier was thrilled when the news was made official that this 48 year-old who scored 694 career goals and 1,887 career points has been made a special assistant to Rangers general manager Glen Sather. “I am looking forward to joining the Rangers organization and having the opportunity to learn a new part of the business, working closely with Glen,” Messier said. “I have felt a strong connection to the Rangers, Madison Square Garden and the city of New York from the moment I arrived in 1991. I am honored to begin this new chapter of my career here.” This 16-time NHL All Star whose relationship with Sather goes way back to his early Oilers days made it known a couple of years ago that eventually he would like to be a GM and eventually run his own team. A couple of years after retiring in 2005 this Alberta native threw his hat in the ring for the Rangers assistant general manager position after Don Maloney left for the Phoenix Coyotes. Messier didn’t return to New York at that time but believes the timing is perfect this time around. “He was one of the greatest players in the NHL,” Sather who coached Messier in Edmonton said. “I’m looking forward to him joining the organization and learning a whole new part of the hockey business.” You can bet that the New York fans are excited to have Messier on board.