Today the newspapers are filled with tributes to The Captain and remembrances of what he did throughout his career. Most of what I read told the story of how he helped to finally bring the Cup back to New York. I just wanted to share a brief story about Mark Messier that I think defined who he is as a person, a player, and a leader.
The date was May 31, 1994. My mom was an 8th grade teacher in Queens. Each year she would take her class on a graduation trip to Rye Playland, a small amusement park just north of New York City. My brother and I would sometimes join her and act as chaperones. It was very early when we pulled into the parking lot, and I don't know when it hit us, but we realized that the Rangers would be conducting a morning skate at the practice facility, which was adjacent to the amusement park. On this night, of course, the Stanley Cup finals would begin.
My brother ran and got a pen and pad, and we waited for some of the players to arrive. Probably by design as much as coincidence, Mark Messier was the first to arrive. The Captain strode confidently from the parking lot to the rink. Shoulders set straight back like a soldier, he looked like a walking rock. That famous glare never left the front door of the rink. Kids, and adults who looked like children in his presence, ran up to him, arms outstretched hoping to get his signature on napkins and hats. Without looking away from the front door and without breaking stride, three stern words emanated from his mouth: "After the practice". And then he was gone.
One by one, the rest of the team began to arrive. Leetch, Graves, Richter, Kovalev, Big Jeff, and all the others gave the same answer to the fans pleas for autographs: "After the practice". Some spoke in softer tones, some even made eye contact, but one thing was clear, this team was focused and ready to play.
A couple of hours go by, and the team starts to emerge from the building. True to their words, each one signed whatever paraphernalia was put before him. Then, probably by design as much as coincidence, Mark Messier was the last player to leave, and true to his word, his accommodated every fan. One young man yelled something to the effect of "you guys are going to kick their butts". Mark Messier, barely cracking a grin, in that same stern voice, replied "Damn right."
My brother and I looked at each other thinking the same thing. There was no way this team wasn't going to win the Cup. The Captain would never have let that happen.
On to the news:
Larry Brooks from the Post points out that while he deserves all the adoration, it was time for Mark to go.
John Dellapina, Sherry Ross, and Ethan Sacks of the New York Daily News pay tribute to Messier.
John Diamos of the New York Times.
Andrew Gross of the Journal News has some fans' reactions. Rick Carpiniello chimes in as well.
Colin Stephenson from the Newark Star-Ledger. Colin has another article with comments from players, including Gretzky and Leetch.
TSN has some good stuff as well.
Brian Leeds pays tribute in the newest Between Periods.
Is that enough for ya? Ok, now on the not so good stuff.
Larry Brooks writes that Jaromir Jagr said he was confident that the Rangers would make the playoffs this year. Sounds good, right? Well Jagr, either in denial or not understanding what Don Maloney has repeatedly told us, does not believe that the Rangers are rebuilding:
"I don't think this is a rebuilding year; no way . . . I think we have the same chance as everybody else. I don't think we're rebuilding."
Well that is just great. I wish there would be some consensus among the organization. I hope Tom Renney points out to Jagr that this IS a rebuild. I mean, it IS a rebuild, isn't it?
John Dellapina has more on Jagr, and how he is reluctant to assume the captaincy, even though he is the best player on the team.
The Rodent picks up where he left off a couple of days ago.
Whew. I am tired now. I shouldn't have to write anything for a week. (But I will anyway.)
HDH
Posted by Jim at September 13, 2005 09:31 AMeMail this entry!
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