[NHL] Mark Messier Retires

[bigbluepride35]

ESPN.com is reporting that Mark Messier has retired from the NHL. Story here. As a Ranger fan, this is an emotional moment. Though I do believe it's time for him to hang up the skates it still saddens me a bit to see OUR captain leave the ice. He showed a spirit and grit that carried him through 25 years of a magical career. If it's over he'll reitre as the second most productive player in the game (points-wise) behind only the Great One. I'll never forget that magical '94 season (especially since it looks like it's the only good Rangers memory I'll have from some time to come lol). He promised he'd deliver a championship when he came and he delivered. From dominating in the regular season to having Mess guarantee the game 6 victory against the Devils and back it up with a hat trick. Not to mention he scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal against Vancouver in game 7. I still remember him taking the cup from Gary Bettman and smiling like a kid. He loved the game. That Rangers team was HIS team finally free of Gretzky's shadow in Edmonton (even though he captained them to a Cup without him). I hope the Rangers reitre his number on opening night this year. Thanks for the memories Mess.

edit> Inexplicably the Rangers' website does not even have a story on the front-page. That better be remedied. They have this but you have to go to the latest news tab to find it :angry: .

edit> It's finally up on their front-page.

Edited September 17, 2005 by bigbluepride35

[....]

I absolutely despise hockey, but I enjoyed Messier. :)

[bigbluepride35]

They're retiring his jersey January 12th against Edmonton. How appropriate. :D Definitely have to look into getting tickets for that game. Probably the only Ranger game I'll go to this year :no:.

Edited September 12, 2005 by bigbluepride35

[Crimson Behelit]

Mark Messier is a miracle-man on ice :) While I havn't rooted for a team he's been on since Vancouver, Mark embodies the leadership, dedication, charm, and charisma all hockey players should strive to acheive.

Hats off, Mark :) You truly are a Canadian idol.

[blackcoffee]

Mark Messier loved the game and played with so much Heart. What a terrific captain he was.

[bigbluepride35]

Going to the Garden box office tomorrow bright and early to try to get tickets for the January 12th game. They go on sale at 9 AM EDT and I heard that in past years people started lining up around 5 AM. I'm getting there for 6 or so. Nice and bright-eyed lol. Well it'll be worth it if I get the tickets.

[Deathray]

Loved to watch him play... a lot of players are retiring, sad, but hopefully this won't slowdown the game. Also, can a mod fix the title... "Retires"

[bigbluepride35]

Sorry about that. Can't believe I didn't pick up on it all this time. *Fixed*.

[Matrix XII]

I absolutely despise hockey

586514286[/snapback]

:no:

[bigbluepride35]

They only sold approx. 220 tickets to the January 12th game. I guess with season ticket holders and presales for fan club members and AMEX members (still don't get the latter one) plus all the tickets they're holding for "friends of the organization" that's all they had. In an arena that seats over 18,000 I think that's a bit ridiculous. They only let you buy a pair of tickets for that game max while for any other game it was up to 8. With all that, I still got mine :D . Was the third to last person who got tickets for that night's game :D :woot: . Anyway can't wait. :woot: :woot: :woot:

[badnewz]

I absolutely despise hockey

586514286[/snapback]

same here

[R-Flex]

same here

586539104[/snapback]

Then why are you here?

[Crimson Behelit]

Then why are you here?

586540262[/snapback]

Post count+1, I imagine :/

[Matrix XII]

yeah no kidding.

[suicide_pact]

Messier was one of the greatest. Thanks for lettin' us know, bigblue.

[RavNouS]

Messier was truly one of the greats of the game. I will always remember his work with the NYR, especially when they won the cup in 1994.

On another note, is there going to be a fantasy hockey league this year? I think hockey is a very fun fantasy sport, less players to manage, and easier stats to follow.

[bigbluepride35]

^ Start one then lol. Personally, I'd pass because I only follow the Rangers and don't know nearly enough about other teams but based on the popularity of the free agent thread I'm sure there are plenty of people who would be interested.

[RavNouS]

^ Start one then lol. Personally, I'd pass because I only follow the Rangers and don't know nearly enough about other teams but based on the popularity of the free agent thread I'm sure there are plenty of people who would be interested.

586548787[/snapback]

Maybe I will, lol. If BOOG is going to setup it up, then im not going to get in his way. If he doesnt mind that I setup the league, then just as well, I'll set one up once he posts his wishes.

[skinnyJM]

Officially the end of the "old NHL", when players played for the game and not the money. :(

At least that's the way I remember it. :)

Good Luck Mark and THANK YOU.