"There was a time there in the mid '80s to the '90s there that we played six finals, three Canada Cups, we were playing hockey almost 10 months a year for a long time there"
About this Quote
Mark Messier's quote offers a window into the extreme and demanding world of professional hockey throughout a golden era for the sport, particularly as experienced by a gamer of his quality. From the mid-'80s to the '90s, hockey experienced a period of remarkable competitors and international engagement, partly evidenced by the Canada Cup competitions, which were thought about among the most prestigious global hockey competitions of the time.
Messier's reference of "6 finals" likely alludes to the many looks his teams made in the Stanley Cup Finals, a testament to the supremacy and consistent top-level performance of groups he had fun with, particularly the Edmonton Oilers and later the New York Rangers. For Messier and his teammates, reaching the finals so often required sustained quality, grit, and decision, attributes Messier epitomized throughout his career.
Playing "nearly 10 months a year" highlights the grueling schedule and physical demands put on elite hockey gamers. The NHL season is long, consisting of pre-season, an 82-game routine season, and possibly substantial playoff runs. Adding the Canada Cup and other worldwide commitments substances the physical and psychological toll on players. This stretch of intense competition needed extraordinary endurance and dedication.
Furthermore, the recommendation to playing constantly for a years highlights both the commitment required by the sport and the passion these gamers have for hockey. It speaks with an age where the love for the video game often suggested focusing on efficiency over rest, showcasing the devotion required to stand out. It likewise reflects the sociability and shared pursuit of success that drove groups to press beyond conventional limits for success.
In essence, Messier's reflection captures not just the personal and cumulative achievements of his groups and himself however paints a broader image of an age specified by its strenuous demands and the remarkable spirit of hockey during that time.