Mark Messier

Early Life and Family

Mark Messier was born in St. Albert, Alberta, the third of four children to Doug and Mary-Jean Messier. His early life was shaped by his father's professional hockey career, which included a stint with the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League. The family moved to Portland, Oregon, during Doug's playing days before returning to St. Albert in 1969 after his retirement. Messier attended St. Francis Xavier High School in Edmonton while pursuing junior hockey, often under the coaching and mentorship of his father. Hockey was a family affair, as his older brother Paul was drafted 41st overall by the Colorado Rockies in 1978 and played nine NHL games before a long career in Germany. Messier's cousins, Mitch and Joby, also played in the NHL, with Joby briefly becoming his teammate on the New York Rangers. Paul Messier also helps manage a hotel that Mark owns in Harbour Island, Bahamas.

Junior Hockey and WHA Beginnings

Messier's hockey path diverged from the typical major junior route. At age 15, he tried out for the Spruce Grove Mets of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where his father was coaching, and made the team. He recorded 66 points in 57 games in the 1976-77 season. The team relocated to St. Albert and became the Saints, naming Messier captain for the 1977-78 season where he scored 74 points in 54 games. Seeking a higher level of play, he initially tried out for the 1980 Canadian Olympic team. Simultaneously, his father contacted former teammate Pat Stapleton, coach of the WHA's Indianapolis Racers, who needed a replacement for the recently traded Wayne Gretzky. Messier joined the Racers on a five-game amateur tryout in November 1978, making his professional debut. He played only four games before the team folded in December, and his only paycheck from them bounced. He finished the 1978-79 season with the Cincinnati Stingers, scoring his first professional goal on March 20, 1979, a fluke shot from near centre ice that bounced past goaltender Pat Riggin. He tallied one goal and ten assists in 47 games for the Stingers.

Edmonton Oilers Dynasty and Ascendancy

After the WHA folded, Messier was selected 48th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. He refused their initial contract offers, wanting a more lucrative deal, but ultimately signed what was offered. His first NHL season included discipline issues, such as missing a team flight, which led to a four-game reassignment to the Central Hockey League's Houston Apollos. Initially a left-winger, he was named to the NHL First All-Star Team at that position in 1983. His move to centre during the 1984 playoffs had a major impact. In the Stanley Cup Final against the New York Islanders, with the Oilers trailing the series 2-1 in Game 3, Messier beat defencemen Denis Potvin and Gord Dineen on an end-to-end rush to score a tying goal. The Oilers won the game 7-2 and took the series, with Messier's goal viewed as the turning point. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. His physical play sometimes crossed the line, resulting in a ten-game suspension in December 1984 for sucker-punching Calgary's Jamie Macoun and breaking his cheekbone. He won four more Cups with Edmonton in 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. After Gretzky's trade, Messier captained the Oilers to the 1990 title and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP by a margin of just two votes over Ray Bourque, the narrowest in the award's history. Frustrated with team management's cost-cutting, he issued a public trade demand and was dealt to the New York Rangers in October 1991.

New York Rangers and the 1994 Championship Run

In his first season with the Rangers, Messier won his second Hart Trophy and guided the team to the best record in the NHL, though they lost in the second round of the playoffs. The 1994 season culminated in his most famous achievement. Facing the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Final and down 3-2 in the series, Messier publicly guaranteed a victory in Game 6. He backed his promise by scoring a natural hat trick in the third period to erase a 2-0 deficit and win 4-2, with ESPN commentator Gary Thorne exclaiming, 'Do you believe it?' The Rangers won a double-overtime Game 7. In the Stanley Cup Final, Messier scored the Cup-winning goal in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, ending the franchise's 54-year drought. He became the first and only player to captain two teams to the Stanley Cup. The celebration produced lasting images, including Messier jumping with emotion as ticker tape fell and a photograph by George Kalinsky of him accepting the Cup from commissioner Gary Bettman. During the victory parade, Mayor Rudy Giuliani dubbed him 'Mr. June.' Messier played with the Rangers until 1997, reaching the 1997 Eastern Conference Final with a reunited Wayne Gretzky. Rangers management chose not to re-sign him, believing his requested salary was too high and content with Gretzky and Pat LaFontaine as centremen.

Vancouver Canucks and Declining Years

At age 36, Messier signed a high-priced free-agent contract with the Vancouver Canucks in 1997. His tenure was controversial from the start. He requested and received the number 11, which the team had unofficially retired after Wayne Maki's death in 1974, over the protest of Maki's family. Incumbent captain and fan favourite Trevor Linden was pressured to relinquish the captaincy to Messier. It was widely believed Messier told ownership he wanted full control of the dressing room, leading to the hiring of head coach Mike Keenan. Messier consistently sided with Keenan, whose authoritarian style grated on veterans from the Pat Quinn era, leading to many departures. Keenan traded Linden to the New York Islanders, a move that outraged fans. In Linden's first return to Vancouver, he received a standing ovation while Messier was booed. On the ice, Messier's production declined sharply. He was surprisingly omitted from Canada's roster for the 1998 Olympics by general manager Bobby Clarke. These factors cemented his reputation as one of the most disliked figures in Canucks history.

Final Playing Years and Career Statistics

Messier returned to the New York Rangers for the 2000-01 season, playing four more years before retiring in 2004. His final seasons added to his all-time statistical rankings. He finished his 25-season career having played 1,756 regular season games, ranking third in NHL history at the time. He recorded 1,887 regular season points, also third all-time. In the playoffs, his 295 points placed him second on the all-time list. He was the last active player from the World Hockey Association and the last active player in any major North American sports league to have played in the 1970s. His career was marked by durability and consistent production, including a 99-point season at age 35 in 1995-96. He played his final playoff game in 1997.

Post-Retirement Recognition and Activities

Messier was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007 in his first year of eligibility. A decade later, he was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history. In 2017, Governor General David Johnston appointed Messier an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to hockey as a player and captain and for his leadership in encouraging children to take up the sport. After his playing days, he served as a special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers. Messier has remained involved in the hockey community through media appearances. In 2026, he joined NHL Tonight to discuss Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals. That same year, he participated as a team captain for Hockey Night in Brampton and, while in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, sent a message of support to a Canadian team. He maintains a public presence, including on social media under the handle @therealmarkmessier.

Playing Style and Lasting Impact

Mark Messier's career was defined by a unique combination of skill, physicality, and profound leadership. Known as 'The Moose' for his aggression and strength, he was a fierce competitor who dominated play through both scoring and intimidation. His leadership in the dressing room was considered as critical as his performance on the ice, a quality that earned him the nickname 'The Messiah' in New York for his role in the 1994 championship. He was not initially a high scorer but developed into one, registering his only 50-goal season in 1981-82. His versatility was key, as he excelled both at left wing and, later, at centre. His legacy is anchored by his unprecedented feat of captaining two different franchises, the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, to Stanley Cup victories, a record that stands alone. This accomplishment, coupled with his six championships, two Hart Trophies, and Conn Smythe Trophy, secures his place as one of the most accomplished and influential players in hockey history.

Questions about Mark Messier

How many Stanley Cups did Mark Messier win?

Mark Messier won the Stanley Cup six times during his career. He captured five championships with the Edmonton Oilers in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. He then won a sixth Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994, ending that franchise's 54-year championship drought. He is the only player to have captained two different teams to the Stanley Cup, leading the Oilers in 1990 and the Rangers in 1994.

Why is Mark Messier called 'The Messiah'?

Messier earned the nickname 'The Messiah' during his time with the New York Rangers, specifically for his leadership in the 1994 playoffs. When the Rangers were facing elimination against the New Jersey Devils, he publicly guaranteed a victory in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final. He then delivered a natural hat trick in the third period to force a Game 7, which the Rangers won. He subsequently scored the Cup-winning goal in the Final, ending a 54-year championship drought for the franchise. The nickname is a play on his last name and signifies how he was seen as delivering the Rangers to a Stanley Cup.

Why was Mark Messier controversial in Vancouver?

Messier's time with the Vancouver Canucks was marked by several controversies that alienated fans. He requested and was given the number 11, which was unofficially retired after the death of former Canuck Wayne Maki in 1974, over his family's protests. Fan favourite Trevor Linden was pressured to give the captaincy to Messier. Many believed Messier influenced the hiring of coach Mike Keenan, whose style led to veteran players, including Linden, being traded away. Combined with his declining on-ice performance, these actions led to him being booed by Canucks fans and regarded as one of the most disliked players in team history.

What awards did Mark Messier win?

Mark Messier won numerous individual awards throughout his Hall of Fame career. He was twice named the NHL's most valuable player, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1990 and 1992. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 1984 playoffs. After retirement, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017, and appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada that same year for his contributions to hockey.

Is Mark Messier in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Yes, Mark Messier was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. He was eligible for induction in his first year, which is three years after a player's retirement. His induction recognized his extraordinary 25-season career, his six Stanley Cup championships, his individual awards, and his status as one of the greatest leaders and players in the history of the sport. He was also named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' a decade later in 2017.

What has Mark Messier done since retiring?

Since retiring, Mark Messier has remained active in hockey and received significant honours. He served as a special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017. Messier also makes regular media appearances, such as joining NHL Tonight to discuss the Stanley Cup Finals in 2026 and participating in community hockey events like Hockey Night in Brampton as a team captain. In 2026, he also sent a message of support from the Winter Olympics in Milan to a Canadian team.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-21.