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The Start of a Pro Career
Mark was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL in the 3rd round and 48th overall. This would be the start of a long and great career in the NHL. And would be the major test for Mark's professional career after playing for a short time in the WHA.
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First of Many Stanley Cups
The Edmonton Oliers win their first Stanley Cup Championship since joining the NHL in 1979. After only being in the NHL for just 5 years they win the Stanley Cup with a team full of future superstars and legends. The Oilers would prevent the New York Islanders from winning their 5th straight Stanley Cup by winning the series four games to one. The Oilers would become the first former WHA team to win the cup
and Mark won the Conn Smythe award as the MVP of the playoffs.
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Two In A Row
The 1985 Stanley Cup Finals were between Messier and the defending champion Oilers against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Oilers would win the series four games to one and would win the Stanley Cup for the second time and for a second year in a row.
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Champions Again!
The 1987 Stanley Cup Finals would look similar to the finals in 1985 when the Oilers faced the Flyers as the two teams would face each other again in the finals. This time the series would be deicded in game 7 with the series tied 3-3. The Edmonton Oilers would win the game with a score of 3-1 as Mark would win his third Stanley Cup Championship.
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Fourth Time As Champ!
The 1988 Stanley Cup Finals were between the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins. The Oilers swept the Bruins winning the series 4-0 in 5 games as the one game was unable to finish due to a power outage so 5 games were needed By winning the series Edmonton would win their fourth Stanley Cup Championship. This would end up being the last Stanley Cup that Mark would win with teamate and close friend Wayne Gretzky.
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Mark Leads Edmonton Back To The Cup
After the trade that sent Gretzky to the LA Kings Mark was named the new captain of the Oilers and would lead the Oilers back to the Stanley Cup Finals. Edmonton would play the Boston Bruins again and would win the series 4-1 in 5 games winning the Stanley Cup for the 5th time and the first time without Gretzky.
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Messier Goes to the Big Apple
Mark was traded to the New York Rangers as he was unhappy with trades that the Oilers were considering. Mark felt that they were getting rid of important players that they needed, so he requested to be traded.
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We'll Win Tonight!
Prior to game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals Messier told the New York media that he guarneteed a Rangers victory against the New Jersey Devils. It looked doubtful in the third period with the Rangers trailling the Devils but the Captain would get a third period hatrick and would get the Rangers the victory to force a game 7 and keep the Rangers hopes of the Stanley Cup alive.
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Long Wait Is Over!
After 54 years without winning the Stanley Cup Mark lead the New York Rangers to their fourth Stanley Cup Championship and their first in 54 years ending the long drought. After doing this the city of New York gave him the nickname "Messiah" for his leadership in the playoffs and for winning the cup. The mayor of New York dubbed Mark as 'Mr.June". By winning the cup with the Rangers he is the only player to date to Captain two different teams to the Stanley Cup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma -
A Great Reunion
After Gretzky rejected a offer made by the St.Louis Blues in a attempt to resign him he signed a two year contract with the New York Rangers that would bring him back with former teamate of the Edmonton Oilers and close friend Mark Messier. Although the reunion was brief as Mark would be traded to Vanouver at the end of the upcoming season they played great together.
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Off To Vancouver
Mark was signed by the Vanouver Canucks as a free agent. The Canucks had hoped he would be able to bring success to the club like he had with the Rangers ealrier. After his contract with the Canucks had expired they had made no attempt to resign him and he became a free agent.
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Back To Broadway!
After spending three years playing for the Vancouver Canucks Mark's contract had expired. The Canucks had made no attempt to resign Messier so he became a free agent and was later resigned by his former team the New York Rangers in hopes of returning success back to the club.
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Record Breaker
On this day in a game against the Dallas Stars Mark would score two goals to pass Gordie Howe for second on the all time point scoring list.
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Heritage Classic
Messier particpated in the outdoor alumni classic game betwwen the Edmonton Oilers Alumni vs Montreal Canadiens Alumini. He was the only active player at the time who played in the game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Messier
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The End of A Long, Great Career
After having been spectulated for months Mark publicy announces that he has decided to retire as a player from the NHL. Mark would retire just 11 games behind Gordie Howe's record for most regular season games played. He also retired holding the record for most regular season and playoff games played at 1,992. He is one of few players to have played for 25 seasons over the span of four decades.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Messier
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Mark Messier Night
On this night most of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion Rangers joined Mark and family at Madison Sqaure Garden for what would be an emotional ceremony and night. As Mark's number "11' was retired by the New York Rangers before a game against Marks former team the Edmonton Oilers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Messier -
Messier Back with the Rangers??
Messier had publicy annonuced that he had interest in returning to the NHL as the General Manager for the New York Rangers, but current General Manager Glen Sather responded by saying that he had no plans in stepping down from his position.
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Mark Retires as a Oiler
On this night at Rexall Place Mark's jersey number "11" was retired as a Edmonton Oiler. The reitrement was part of another emotional cemermony for Mark. Mark's former teamate and good close friend Wayne Gretzky was their for attendace as he was the head coach for Phoenix Coyotes at the time. After the ceremony the Oilers played the Coyotes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Messier -
In The Hall Of Fame
Mark was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player. He was inducted in his first year of being eligble.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Messier
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Back with the NHL & Rangers
Rangers General Manager & President Glen Sather named Mark the Special Assistant to President & General Manager of the club. After Mark has said that he would like to return to the club.
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2012 Winter Classic Alumni Game
Mark particpated in the Alumni game for the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. He played on the New York Rangers Alumni Team and captained the team against the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Team. The Flyers Alumni would take the game 3-1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Messier#1997.E2.80.932000:_
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NHL_Winter_Classic#Alumni_game
