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Messier
The most detailed examination ever published about this hockey icon, Messier presents the true story behind all the myths, awards and accolades that even now continue to surround one of the greatest living legends in team sports. Known as "the Messiah" to New York Rangers fans for bringing the 1994 Stanley Cup back to the Big Apple for the first time in 54 years, "Moose" to Edmonton Oilers fans for using his skates, stick, and fists to clinch five Stanley Cups, and a national hero for helping his Team Canada win three world titles, Mark Messier is one of hockey's most recognizable and decorated stars. For the first time ever, the man behind the laundry list of awards and statistics is revealed in all his complexity. Messier shows the side of the player few get a chance to see—a student of philosophy, an unadvertised community volunteer, and a man who takes every chance to hit the beaches with his family whenever he can. The biography also reveals the hell-raising party animal renowned for his late-night antics, the beautiful supermodels he has dated, and the wild urban legends that have arisen around rumors of his private life.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 24, 2014
Long championed as being one of the "best leaders in sports" (which I find laughable), Messier played a lot longer than he probably should have in a league that evolved into a game he couldn't compete in.
This book gives an account of Mark's career from his youth, to his brief WHA days, the Oiler dynasty, New York dominance and yes....Vancouver.
The book did not have the support of Messier or his family so there are no direct interviews with Mark, his family, friends or teammates. Instead, author Jeff Klein (writer for New York Times Magazine) relied on volumes of information already out there. News Stories, Magazine articles, past interviews, other books.....you name it. And to his credit, Klein did a very nice job in organizing and presenting his findings.
I'll admit, the first half of the book I really enjoyed. It took me back to the early 80's when hockey was introduced to me. The Islanders and Oilers were kings of the league and the lineup in Edmonton was a who's who of all-stars. It was a great trip back in time.
But when the book shifted to the Ranger years, my enjoyment turned into a reinforcement of my beliefs. I was shaking my head more than sitting back and enjoying the words.
The book is a definite fluff piece and rarely goes into any sort of controversies or conflicts. Messier is made out to be some sort of iconic hero. Hence, the throwing up.
I was especially interested in how the book would portray two specific instances (both involving my guy, Trevor Linden). The first being the vicious crosscheck Messier lashed out to Linden at the end of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. ZERO! Absolutely no mention of the cowardly act. Not surprised.
The other being the locker room relationship the two would have as teammates in Vancouver (and I use that term loosely). Again, Messier comes off as squeaky clean. It's more Keenan who is painted as the jerk.
I'm amazed that so many people think Messier is the ultimate captain. Two instances in this book lead me to believe otherwise. The way he treated Vancouver fans, the organization and teammates in general was anything but "captain-like". (The Wayne Maki number 11 incident alone capped that). And the fact that he could not elevate his game during the 1996 World Cup of Hockey because he couldn't generate the intensity against his New York teammates playing for other countries (the USA especially).
Messier plays the game so one dimensionally that it's funny. His numbers are padded solely because of the stacked lineups he played on. If you're not part of his "in" crowd....you're an afterthought in his mind. He's more of a politician than a leader.
Still, I can't help but give the books more positives than negatives. It's well written, well organized and easy to flip through.
This book gives an account of Mark's career from his youth, to his brief WHA days, the Oiler dynasty, New York dominance and yes....Vancouver.
The book did not have the support of Messier or his family so there are no direct interviews with Mark, his family, friends or teammates. Instead, author Jeff Klein (writer for New York Times Magazine) relied on volumes of information already out there. News Stories, Magazine articles, past interviews, other books.....you name it. And to his credit, Klein did a very nice job in organizing and presenting his findings.
I'll admit, the first half of the book I really enjoyed. It took me back to the early 80's when hockey was introduced to me. The Islanders and Oilers were kings of the league and the lineup in Edmonton was a who's who of all-stars. It was a great trip back in time.
But when the book shifted to the Ranger years, my enjoyment turned into a reinforcement of my beliefs. I was shaking my head more than sitting back and enjoying the words.
The book is a definite fluff piece and rarely goes into any sort of controversies or conflicts. Messier is made out to be some sort of iconic hero. Hence, the throwing up.
I was especially interested in how the book would portray two specific instances (both involving my guy, Trevor Linden). The first being the vicious crosscheck Messier lashed out to Linden at the end of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. ZERO! Absolutely no mention of the cowardly act. Not surprised.
The other being the locker room relationship the two would have as teammates in Vancouver (and I use that term loosely). Again, Messier comes off as squeaky clean. It's more Keenan who is painted as the jerk.
I'm amazed that so many people think Messier is the ultimate captain. Two instances in this book lead me to believe otherwise. The way he treated Vancouver fans, the organization and teammates in general was anything but "captain-like". (The Wayne Maki number 11 incident alone capped that). And the fact that he could not elevate his game during the 1996 World Cup of Hockey because he couldn't generate the intensity against his New York teammates playing for other countries (the USA especially).
Messier plays the game so one dimensionally that it's funny. His numbers are padded solely because of the stacked lineups he played on. If you're not part of his "in" crowd....you're an afterthought in his mind. He's more of a politician than a leader.
Still, I can't help but give the books more positives than negatives. It's well written, well organized and easy to flip through.
October 13, 2021
YES. This is a must read for hockey, Oiler or Ranger lovers. As biographies go this is easily the best I've read. It's hard to put into words how good it is, you should just read. Fantastic read.
February 19, 2025
Review for Messier can be found on Hockey Blog In Canada.
June 24, 2016
I have never been a Messier fan. The book was well written. I totally agreed with the author that Mike Keenan and Mark Messier destroyed the Vancouver Canucks with their short stay there. Mark Messier may have been a great leader but he was also a cheap shot artist. He did not care if he ended a players hockey career. He seemed to have a hatred for European players. The book was well written. I would say he probably played a couple of years too long. But he was able to bypass Gordie Howe in career assists.
February 14, 2015
Messier is one of my favourite players, from my team NYR. I know Messier lived a very personal life, and his family were the same. This book is not a gossipy, and very factual, which is what I expected.
November 28, 2013
I was not a "Mess" fan but respect his accomplishments and leadership. Mark did not endorse this book but the author did enough research to compile an entertaining and informative life story about The Captain.
July 22, 2007
one of my favorite hockey players (even though i am a die-hard Penguins fan). It will be interesting when he gets around to writing his autobiography.
August 3, 2011
Good book, if all the stories are true, then it's even better. I can't rate this one low since I'm a huge Messier fan.
Want to read
January 13, 2017recommended by alex thomas (2014)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews