Introduction
Mark Messier, a former NHL star, has found a new way to stay connected to the game he loves. After retiring as a player, Messier turned to coaching, hoping to pass on his knowledge and passion for hockey to the next generation of players. In this exclusive interview, Messier shares his thoughts on his transition from player to coach, the challenges of being a coach, and the future of hockey.
Background
Mark Messier was born on January 18, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He grew up playing hockey and eventually became a star in the NHL, playing for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. Messier scored 694 goals and had over 1,100 assists during his career, winning six Stanley Cups. After retiring in 2004, Messier became interested in coaching and began working as an assistant coach for the Rangers. He later became head coach of the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before being hired as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.
Interview
Q: How did your experience as a player prepare you for coaching?
A: As a player, you learn to see the game in a certain way. You understand the flow of the game, how plays develop, and what it takes to win. I’ve played with some of the best players in the world and learned from some of the best coaches in the game. All of that experience has prepared me to be a coach.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge of coaching?
A: The biggest challenge is getting everyone on the same page. You have to bring a group of individuals together and get them to play as a team. That’s not always easy, especially with players who have their own egos and agendas. But it’s necessary if you want to win.
Q: What’s your coaching philosophy?
A: My coaching philosophy is simple: work hard, be disciplined, and play as a team. I believe in having a strong work ethic and holding everyone accountable. I also believe in playing with discipline and making good decisions. And most importantly, I believe in playing as a team and supporting each other on and off the ice.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a coach?
A: The most important lesson I’ve learned is that relationships matter. You have to build trust and communication with your players if you want to be successful. You also have to be able to adapt to different personalities and styles of play. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.
Q: What advice would you give to young players who want to make it to the NHL?
A: My advice would be to work hard and believe in yourself. There will be ups and downs, but if you stay committed and keep pushing yourself, you can achieve anything. Surround yourself with good people who will support you and help you along the way. And most importantly, never give up on your dreams.
Q: How do you see the future of hockey?
A: I think the future of hockey is very bright. There are so many talented young players coming up through the ranks, and the game continues to evolve and get better. The NHL is doing a great job of promoting the game and expanding its reach around the world. I think we’ll continue to see growth and innovation in the years to come.
Conclusion
Mark Messier is a hockey icon and a respected coach. His experience as a player has prepared him well for the challenges of coaching, and his coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. As the future of hockey continues to evolve, we can be sure that Mark Messier will be there, helping to shape the next generation of players.