Interview with Board Member Mark Messier

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Mark Messier at the Madison Square Garden Tribute

In our second podcast we sit down with Mark Messier, member of the Board of Directors and 2008 Benefit Fund Dinner Honoree. Join us, as Mark talks about his decision to become involved with the charity.

Listen in as we discuss how the tragic events of September 11, 2001 ultimately united New Yorkers and influenced decisions made by the New York Rangers and the NHL on when to resume playing hockey. Mark tells the story of the tribute to the first responders before a Ranger game at Madison Square Garden. Find out the special message that Mark Messier has for all New York Ranger Fans.

Mark Messier at the WTC site

Recognized as one of the greatest leaders of all sports, Messier is the only professional athlete to Captain two different teams to championships. As Captain of the New York Rangers in 1994, his leadership became legendary. With his team down three games to two against the New Jersey Devils, Messier guaranteed victory. He delivered, scoring a natural hat trick, leading his team to a 4-2 victory and forcing a seventh and final Eastern Conference game. He went on to lead the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years and is now regarded in the same company as New York sports icons Babe Ruth and Joe Namath. Known throughout the sporting world simply as the “Captain”, Messier’s number “11”was retired and raised to the rafters by the New York Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers. Then, on November 12, 2007, Messier was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, taking his rightful place next to game’s greatest legends.

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