Mark Messier finally retires

Mark Messier announced his retirement Monday, ending a 25-year professional hockey career. Messier won a total of six Stanley Cups in his illustrious career and is second behind former teammate Wayne Gretzky on the NHL's all-time scoring list.

Messier is considered one of the greatest leaders in the history of hockey. He was able to lift his team to higher achievements when needed. After winning four Stanley Cups with Wayne Gretzky in Edmonton, Messier led the Oilers to another championship in 1990 as captain. Then, after being traded to the New York Rangers, he ended a 54-year Stanley Cup drought for the Broadway Blues by capturing the 1994 Stanley Cup.

Messier had a year-and-a-half to think about his decision courtesy of last year's lockout. He was philosophical at a conference call with the media Monday afternoon after making his announcement.

'There was nothing else really for me to achieve,' he explained to reporters.

Monday was the day the New York Rangers players reported to training camp to take their physicals, so Messier felt it was as good a time as any to make his decision official.

'It was a tough decision,' Messier admitted. 'I'm healthy and feel good and I feel like I can play.'

The 44-year-old started his pro career in the old WHA with the Cincinnati Stingers. In fact, Messier was the last active player from the rebel league that disbanded in 1979.

He came to prominence with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s. While Gretzky was the scoring machine, setting all kinds of records, Messier was the tough leader of those Oilers teams. He was a throwback in hockey terms, just as willing to give an opponent a quick elbow to the jaw to make his point and gain skating room for his teammates.

Messier secured his legend in New York sports lore by leading the Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994. In the semi-finals, the Rangers trailed the New Jersey Devils three games to two with game six upcoming in New Jersey. Messier guaranteed that the Rangers would win the game and then scored three goals to lead New York to a 4-2 comeback win. Many New York sports writers compared Messier's guaranteed victory with that of Joe Namath in Super Bowl III.

The Rangers re-united Messier with Gretzky in 1996-97 and the dynamic duo led the Rangers to the NHL semi-finals. A year later, Messier was signed by the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent. He re-signed with the Rangers in 2000, but he never played in another playoff game.

Messier will be honored by the Rangers in January. His number will be retired on January 12 when the Edmonton Oilers come to town. He is a shoo-in for the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible.

http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2005/Sep/EEN4325c0fcd319e.html