Birthdate: Jan 18, 1961
Birthplace: St. Albert, AB, Canada
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs
This man has demonstrated his true character throughout his hockey career. He has played for the Oilers, Rangers, and Canucks. His performance with Team Canada is outstanding. And his physical strength, combined with his speed and hockey sense, is what rose him to the height he is at now.
Messier is the man that failed to give up when his lifelong friend, Wayne Gretzky, departed to Los Angeles. He led the Oilers to their fifth Stanley Cup without the Great One at his side. The Gretzky Trade was said to be the crippling blow to the Oilers. Yet, he was the man that had the honor of making the first lap around the rink on May 24, 1990. The whole team that year was a reflection of Mark: fast, tough, powerful, uncompromising, thoroughly professional.
Mark has received a great number of honors in his lifetime, too. He has had his name enscribed in six Stanley Cups. The Con Smyth trophy in 1983-84. The Hart trophy in 1989-90.
In Vancouver, Messier and his teammates have been unsuccessful in the 1997-98 season. The story of Mark will write itself in his actions. He has set new standards for players. He will watch other players raise those standards. His name and number will hang in the Edmonton Coliseum. Every Canadian knows this man as 'Moose'. He will be a legend throughout the saga of hockey.