He approached every game the way you should approach every game and he really tried to help others out. Not just by example, he would tell you. I remember being young and asking him about going through rough streaks and say this is what I'm doing. Mark didn't have to be a goalie to be able to relate to what I was going through. He was an athlete and a competitor and he could give you advice. |
He was perhaps the most complete athlete to ever put on a pair of skates. But his true genius was his unparalleled ability to bring out the best in others. |
His personality is so big, it was a perfect marriage to New York. He came here and hockey players normally aren't that big and Mark transcended hockey. He was a compelling figure whether you liked sports or whether you liked hockey itself. |
I've never met anyone who's a bigger fan of other people's success than him. I think that's a unique thing to his personality and that's an empowering thing, particularly to the young guys in the organization. He is interested in how people are doing and not just as a team, but personally and what contributions they are making and what he can do to make them better. It sounds unimportant, but it's a really subtle and special thing that comes from him. |
Mark Messier Night, sponsored by Kleenex. |
Thank you for inviting me here for Mark Messier night, sponsored by Kleenex. |
We are a polite people. You'll find Chicago to be a very friendly town. There won't be anything physical, but you can expect a little verbal harassment coming your way. |