Canadian · Edmonton, Canada · Born 18 January 1961Mark Messier was a dominant power forward and leader who won five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and a sixth with the New York Rangers, whom he captained to their first title in 54 years in 1994.
Mark John Douglas Messier was born on 18 January 1961 in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, the third of four children of Douglas Messier, a professional hockey player and coach, and began playing the sport at five years old, serving as stick boy for his father's junior team as a child. Messier turned professional at just 17 with the Indianapolis Racers, and the Edmonton Oilers selected him 48th overall in the 1979 NHL Draft, developing into a central figure in the franchise's dynasty of the 1980s alongside Wayne Gretzky, winning four Stanley Cups together. Messier became Oilers captain in 1988 and led the team to a fifth Stanley Cup in 1990, winning the Hart Trophy as league MVP that season, before being traded to the New York Rangers in 1991, where he delivered the most famous guarantee in hockey history, promising a Game Six victory before scoring a hat-trick to force a decisive Game Seven. Messier captained the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994, becoming the only player in NHL history to captain two different franchises to championships, and later captained the Vancouver Canucks before retiring in 2004 with six Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders the sport has ever produced.
Legendary captain who won six Stanley Cups, the only player to captain two different franchises to championships
"The Guarantee" — predicting a Rangers win then scoring a third-period hat-trick to deliver it — is the greatest individual clutch moment in NHL history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Messier was known for his exceptional leadership qualities and clutch performances in crucial moments. He combined physical strength and intimidation with elite offensive skills, excelling at both scoring goals and setting up teammates. His two-way play made him effective defensively while maintaining consistent offensive production throughout his career.
Lasting Impact
Messier is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and leaders in NHL history, setting the standard for clutch playoff performance. His ability to elevate his game in pressure situations and inspire teammates established him as a legendary figure in professional hockey.
Career Honours
- Hockey Hall of Fame (2007)
- 6x Stanley Cup champion
- 2x Hart Trophy
- Conn Smythe Trophy (1984)
- 15x NHL All-Star
- #11 retired by both Oilers and Rangers
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | 1979–1991 | 851 | 392 |
| New York Rangers | 1991–1997 | 435 | 250 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 1997–2000 | 207 | 48 |
 Canada | — | 84 | 25 |
Canadian Athletes