Mark Messier is a name synonymous with leadership, tenacity, and unrivaled success in ice hockey. Known as “The Moose” for his aggressive playing style and strength, Messier’s career stretches 25 years, during which he became one of the most respected and accomplished players in NHL history. As the only player to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup victories, his story is engraved deep in the annals of the sport. He earned the nickname “The Messiah” for his ability to inspire and lead his teams to victory. A six-time Stanley Cup champion he is, his impressive record includes being second on the all-time list for playoff points and third for regular-season games played and points.
Read more about Mark’s legacy, biography, net worth, and more.
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Who is Mark Messier?
Mark John Douglas Messier was born on January 18, 1961, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. He is a retired professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, Messier was known for his physical presence on the ice. His professional career began in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers and the Cincinnati Stingers before the WHA merged with the NHL. He then joined the Edmonton Oilers, where he quickly became a key player.
Messier’s NHL career spanned 25 years, from 1979 to 2004, during which he played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. He was a versatile player, starting as a left-winger before switching to center, where he achieved great success. He was known for his leadership, earning the nickname “The Messiah” for his ability to lead his teams to victory. Messier won six Stanley Cups, five with the Oilers and one with the Rangers, and is the only player to have captained two different teams to Stanley Cup championships.
In his career, Messier was celebrated for his playoff performances, ranking second on the all-time list for playoff points with 295. He also ranks third for regular-season games played with 1,756 and regular-season points with 1,887. Messier’s individual honors include winning the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player twice, in 1990 and 1992, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player during the playoffs in 1984. He was selected for the NHL All-Star Game 16 times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, his first year of eligibility.
After retiring, he served as a special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers. He also coached Team Canada during the 2010 Deutschland Cup and Spengler Cup. His legacy includes the Mark Messier Leadership Award, given annually to an NHL player who exemplifies great leadership qualities on and off the ice and within their community.
Messier has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and business ventures. He owns the Runaway Hill Club in the Bahamas and has been active in promoting youth hockey and encouraging children to take up the sport. Messier’s impact on the game and his community has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017 for his contributions to hockey and his leadership.
What is Mark Messier’s age, height, and weight?
Mark Messier is 63 years old, measures 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, and weighs 210 pounds (95 kg).
What is Mark Messier’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Mark Messier is Canadian by nationality. His ethnicity is Caucasian.
What is Mark Messier’s profession?
Mark Messier is a retired professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. His professional career covered 25 years, from 1979 to 2004, and he played for several teams during this period, achieving numerous awards and setting significant records.
Messier began his professional career in the World Hockey Association (WHA), playing for the Indianapolis Racers and Cincinnati Stingers. After the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, he was drafted 48th overall by the Edmonton Oilers. With the Oilers, Messier became a key player, who contributed significantly to the team’s success. He won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. His leadership and performance were instrumental, especially in the 1990 Stanley Cup victory, which came after Wayne Gretzky’s departure.
In 1991, Messier was traded to the New York Rangers, where he continued to shine. He led the Rangers to a Stanley Cup victory in 1994, ending the team’s 54-year championship drought. This achievement earned him the nickname “The Messiah” for his leadership and ability to deliver under pressure. Messier’s playoff leadership and clutch performances became legendary thereafter.
After his tenure with the Rangers, Messier played for the Vancouver Canucks from 1997 to 2000 before returning to the Rangers for the final years of his career. He retired in 2004, having played 1,756 regular-season games, the third most in NHL history, and scoring 1,887 points, also the third highest in NHL history.
Messier’s individual awards are numerous. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player twice, in 1990 and 1992, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player during the playoffs in 1984. He was selected for the NHL All-Star Game 16 times.
In 2007, Messier was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He was also named one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in history in 2017. Beyond his playing career, Messier has contributed to hockey as a special assistant to the president and general manager of the Rangers and has been involved in coaching and mentorship roles. He also established the Mark Messier Leadership Award, given annually to an NHL player who exemplifies great leadership qualities on and off the ice.
| Team | Years | Role | Key Achievements |
|---|
| Indianapolis Racers (WHA) | 1978 | Player | Began professional career |
| Cincinnati Stingers (WHA) | 1978-1979 | Player | Played 47 games, scored first professional goal |
| Houston Apollos (CHL) | 1979 | Player | Played 4 games |
| Edmonton Oilers | 1979-1991 | Player | 5 Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990), Hart Memorial Trophy (1990), Conn Smythe Trophy (1984) |
| New York Rangers | 1991-1997 | Player | Stanley Cup (1994), Hart Memorial Trophy (1992) |
| Vancouver Canucks | 1997-2000 | Player | Played 3 seasons |
| New York Rangers | 2000-2004 | Player | Returned to Rangers, retired in 2004 |
| New York Rangers | Post-2004 | Special Assistant | Worked as special assistant to the president and GM |
| Team Canada | 2010 | Coach | Coached during the Deutschland Cup and Spengler Cup |
Who are Mark Messier’s Parents?
Mark Messier’s parents are Doug Messier and Mary-Jean (Dea) Messier. Doug Messier was a professional hockey player, and his career influenced Mark’s early involvement in the sport.
What is Mark Messier’s current world ranking?
After his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007 Mark Messier was named one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in 2017. Messier ranks third on the all-time list for regular-season points in the NHL with 1,887 points. He played 1,756 regular-season NHL games, placing him third in this category. Messier ranks second in NHL history for playoff points with 295 points. Messier won the Stanley Cup six times, five with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the New York Rangers.
Does Mark Messier have siblings?
Yes, Mark Messier has siblings. He is the second son and third child in his family. His siblings are Paul Messier, his older brother, who was also a hockey player. Paul was drafted by the Colorado Rockies and played nine games in the NHL before having a long career in the German Eishockey-Bundesliga. Born on January 27, 1958, in Nottingham, England, Paul’s family relocated to Canada when he was young, where he immersed himself in the Edmonton minor hockey system alongside his younger brother Mark.
Paul’s hockey journey led him to play for the University of Denver before making a brief appearance in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Colorado Rockies. However, in 1994, Paul ventured into coaching and management, serving as the head coach and general manager of the Tampa Bay Tritons, a professional roller hockey team competing in Roller Hockey International. Notably, his brother Mark was the owner of the team. He has also managed one of his brother’s investments, a small hotel located in Harbour Island, Bahamas.
His other sisters are Mary-Kay Messier (older sister) and Jennifer Messier (younger sister).
Who is Mark Messier married to?
Mark Messier is married to his wife Kim Clark.
Does Mark Messier have children?
Yes, Mark Messier has children. He had Lyon from a previous marriage. His son Lyon was born on August 16, 1987, and his second son, Douglas Paul, was born on July 15, 2003. Mark and his wife Kim have a daughter named Jacqueline Jean, born in August 2005.
What is Mark Messier’s Net Worth?
Mark Messier has an estimated $65 million as his net worth. For his career earnings, he is projected to have enjoyed a whooping USD68, 861,194.
How much does Mark Messier make annually?
For more detailed statistics, refer to the table below:
| Season | Earnings (US$) | In today’s US$ | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-79 | $26,000 | $121,450 | |
| 1979-80 | $42,700 | $179,260 | |
| 1980-81 | $42,750 | $158,062 | |
| 1981-82 | $41,700 | $139,749 | |
| 1982-83 | $40,550 | $128,037 | |
| 1983-84 | $40,550 | $124,052 | |
| 1984-85 | $231,600 | $679,327 | |
| 1985-86 | $219,600 | $622,033 | |
| 1986-87 | $216,000 | $600,449 | |
| 1987-88 | $226,200 | $606,611 | |
| 1988-89 | $243,900 | $628,415 | |
| 1989-90 | $837,142 | $2,057,571 | 5 |
| 1990-91 | $824,434 | $1,922,586 | 9 |
| 1991-92 | $1,084,000 | $2,425,250 | 13 |
| 1992-93 | $2,385,000 | $5,178,945 | 4 |
| 1993-94 | $2,533,000 | $5,342,691 | 5 |
| 1994-95 | $3,596,059 | $7,392,519 | 3 |
| 1995-96 | $6,000,000 | $11,997,637 | 2 |
| 1996-97 | $6,000,000 | $11,655,722 | 2 |
| 1997-98 | $6,015,000 | $11,417,708 | 5 |
| 1998-99 | $6,015,000 | $11,243,301 | 5 |
| 1999-00 | $8,000,000 | $14,633,209 | 6 |
| 2000-01 | $4,807,037 | $8,505,831 | 34 |
| 2001-02 | $5,583,530 | $9,608,074 | 30 |
| 2002-03 | $3,904,858 | $6,614,466 | 74 |
| 2003-04 | $3,904,585 | $6,467,314 | 82 |
| 2004-05 | |||
| 2011-12 | $6,000,000 | $8,127,501 | 52 |
| Total | $68,861,194 | $128,577,770 |
What philanthropic causes or charities does Mark Messier support?
The Mark Messier Foundation, established by Messier himself, this foundation focuses on supporting programs and initiatives that benefit children, families, and communities in need. It often partners with other organizations to provide resources and support for education, health, and wellness initiatives.
Messier has been involved in supporting children’s charities, including those that focus on pediatric healthcare, childhood education, and children’s sports programs. He has participated in fundraising events and initiatives to support these causes.
As a former professional hockey player, Messier has also been involved in supporting charities and initiatives related to hockey. This includes programs that provide access to hockey for underprivileged youth, support for injured or retired players, and initiatives to promote the sport’s growth and development.
Messier has shown support for environmental conservation efforts, including initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife and natural habitats. He has participated in events and campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
Messier has contributed to disaster relief efforts in the past, offering support to communities affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. He has donated both time and resources to help those in need during times of crisis.
Messier actively promotes preventive healthcare and has endorsed Cold-FX as a spokesperson. Additionally, he is deeply involved in philanthropy, notably serving on the board of the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Messier has significant contributions to causes in his hometown of Alberta, Canada. Notably, in Edmonton, a portion of St. Albert Trail was renamed Mark Messier Trail on February 26, 2007, in recognition of his off-ice charitable endeavors.
What businesses does Mark Messier own?
Mark Messier is the proprietor of the Runaway Hill Club, situated on the picturesque pink sand beach of Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
What brands and endorsements does Mark Messier have?
Mark Messier has been associated with various brands and endorsements in his career. One notable endorsement was with Cold-fX, for which he served as a spokesperson. Others include Brandon Steiner, Can-Am, and others.
How many awards has Mark Messier won?
Mark Messier’s career in hockey is adorned with numerous awards, honors, and achievements. In his tenure, Messier earned awards that sealed his legacy in the hockey world. Among his most notable accomplishments are his six Stanley Cup victories, two of which he captained the Edmonton Oilers to in 1984 and 1985, establishing himself as a formidable leader on the ice.
His prowess and leadership skills were further recognized with the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player, which he claimed in 1990. Additionally, Messier’s exceptional performance over his career garnered him the Lester B. Pearson Award, now known as the Ted Lindsay Award, bestowed upon the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.
In recognition of his defensive abilities, he was honored with the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 1990, underscoring his versatility as a player. Furthermore, Messier’s impact was recognized, as he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
| Award | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| NHL All-Star Game | 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2004 |
| NHL First All-Star Team | 1982 (left wing), 1983 (left wing), 1990 (centre), 1992 (centre) |
| Stanley Cup | 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 (Edmonton), 1994 (NY Rangers) |
| Conn Smythe Trophy | 1984 |
| NHL Second All-Star Team | 1984 (left wing) |
| Hart Memorial Trophy | 1990, 1992 |
| Lester B. Pearson Award | 1990, 1992 |
| Career Achievements |
|---|
| The only player to have captained two Stanley Cup championship teams, the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. |
| Ranked number 12 on The Hockey News’ list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players in 1998. |
| The National Hockey League created the Mark Messier Leadership Award on November 13, 2006, given to an individual in the sport who leads by example on the ice, motivates his teammates, and is dedicated to community activities and charitable causes. |
| His 1,887 points in the regular season are third all-time to JaromÃr Jágr and Wayne Gretzky’s 2,857. |
| Despite this feat, Messier never won a scoring title, with his best finish being runner-up in 1989–90. |
| His career-high for regular-season goals was 50, accomplished once in 1981–82. |
| His 1,756 regular-season NHL games played are third most all-time. |
| Last active player to have played in the 1970s and the World Hockey Association. |
| Selected as an inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame in June 2007, in his first year of eligibility, with the ceremony taking place in November 2007. |
| Ranked No. 4 all-time of the 901 New York Rangers who had played during the team’s first 82 seasons in the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats. |
| Elected as an inaugural inductee into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame in the “Legends of the Game” category in 2010. |
| Named to the Order of Hockey in Canada by Hockey Canada in 2013. |
1. Was Mark Messier the only player to captain two Stanley Cup-winning teams?
Yes, Mark Messier holds the distinction of being the only player to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup championships: the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers.
2. What unique award did the NHL create for Mark Messier?
The NHL created the Mark Messier Leadership Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities both on and off the ice.
3. Did Mark Messier ever win a scoring title in the NHL?
Despite his impressive career statistics, Mark Messier never won a scoring title in the NHL. His best finish was as a runner-up in the 1989-1990 season.
4. What milestone did Mark Messier achieve in NHL games played?
Mark Messier’s 1,756 regular-season NHL games played rank him third all-time in this category.
5. What unique historical position did Mark Messier hold in the NHL?
Mark Messier holds the distinction of being the last active player to have participated in both the 1970s and the World Hockey Association (WHA).
6. What recognition did Mark Messier receive from the New York Rangers?
Mark Messier’s contributions to the New York Rangers were further recognized when he was ranked No. 4 all-time among the team’s players in the book “100 Ranger Greats.”
7. What honor did Mark Messier receive from the World Hockey Association?
In 2010, Mark Messier was elected as an inaugural inductee into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame in the “Legends of the Game” category.
8. How was Mark Messier recognized by Hockey Canada?
Mark Messier’s significant contributions to hockey were acknowledged by Hockey Canada when he was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2013.
9. How many goals did Mark Messier score in his career?
Mark Messier scored 694 goals in his career.