There's much more night than day this time of year on the northern end of Vancouver Island, but Los Angeles Kings D-man Willie Mitchell really lights up the Chilton Regional Arena in Port McNeill, B.C. — and young players' faces — in this CTV report on Willie's surprise visit to his hometown.

The "special helmet" CTV reporter Gord Kurbis is talking about?  You can recognize it by the "M" on the front.

The 33 dark blue M11/ face protector combos look great on the Port McNeill Minor Hockey Club Atoms.  Willie's in the white M11 he wore last season with the Stanley Cup Champion Kings.

http://www.ctvvancouverisland.ca/2012/11/willie-mitchell-pays-surprise-visit-to-hometown-port-mcneill/

The University of Lethbridge (Alberta) Pronghorns women's team has made the switch to the new M11 PRO helmet.

In the photo, forward Taryn Cooke skates in a recent game against the University of British Columbia. The Pronghorns were wearing hot pink jerseys as they joined with other college and pro teams to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

The Messier Project has put its signature “M” into Minnesota hockey at all levels, including college.

Members of the Gustavus Adolphus College women’s team are wearing either M11 or M11 PRO helmets year. Both helmets include patented Seven Technology and offer the same advanced protection. The new M11 PRO blends the exclusive advanced protection with a streamlined design, aggressive styling and improved features to create a new level of elite performance, fit and comfort.

How do the M11 and M11 PRO stack up side-by-side?  The photo below with the Gusties' Allison Eder-Zdechlik (left in the M11 PRO) and Carolyn Draayer (right in the M11) gives you the picture. They were all smiles after a season-opening 3-2 win over the University of Wisconsin–Superior on home ice, the Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter, Minn.

The Gusties were 24-4-2 last season. This year, they’re ranked third among women’s NCAA Division III teams and hope to advance to the NCAA Division III women’s tournament for a tenth straight season under coach Mike Carroll.

Forward Jack Prince, winner of the 2012 The Messier Project Leadership Award for the North American Hockey League (NAHL), has made the jump to NCAA Division I hockey with the University of Alabama-Huntsville. 

Through eight games, Prince has four goals and five assists.

http://www.uahchargers.com/custompages/2012-13/Hockey/teamcume.htm#TEAM.TEM

Mark Messier—and the continuation of The Messier Project's mission, technology and helmets—always figured prominently in Bauer Hockey's plans when the No. 1 hockey equipment maker acquired Cascade Sports and The Messier Project last June.

Mark will play a lead role in Bauer's new "Grow the Game Initiative," which was announced at the annual Bauer World event in Palm Desert, Calif.  The 10-year global program is designed to increase hockey participation among those families not currently involved with the sport. It seeks to ensure the future of the game by adding 1 million additional players —on top of current participation growth projections—by 2022.

Read more about the program at: 

http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/bauer-hockey-announces-global-initiative-190000631.html 

Mark Messier discusses the "Grow the Game Initiative" with TSN's Gord Miller at Bauer World in Palm Desert, Calif.

Mark Messier is best-known as the captain of unforgettable Edmonton Oilers teams that won five Stanley Cups from 1984 to 1990.

In addition to talking about Bauer Hockey's new inititative to increase hockey participation, Mark discusses efforts to bring a new arena and excitement to Edmonton, his hometown, in the following Canadian Press article.

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/messier-watches-for-oilers-arena-lockout-news-while-growing-hockey-participation/article4583703/?service=mobile

The Skater's Performance in Newmarket, Ontario has been a big supporter of The Messier Project.

According to Randy Highmore, president of the retailer, the M11 — and now the M11 PRO — are "the best innovative protection products in hockey for the past 20 years."

Here's why he thinks so.

"As a retailer I am always researching intelligent innovative products that have a story and value for the customer," Highmore said.  "We were one of the first retailers to jump on the M11 line when it was introduced, because of our beliefs, and to no surprise, the helmet has been one of our most successful products.

"I have had numerous customers drop by over the past couple of years glowing how the M11 had an impact in protecting their children, and the fitting aspect is second to none in the industry. "

The Skater's Performance is located at 200 Mulock Dr. in Newmarket. (http://theskatersperformance.com.)  The store is fully stocked with the new M11 PRO and the M11 models.  (see below)

Jeff Highmore (right) discusses the features and benefits of the M11 and M11 PRO with a customer.

Mark was back in Edmonton last week, and hit the ice with former Oilers teammate Grant Fuhr for a youth hockey event at the Kinsmen Arena. See the details from Oilers TV at: http://video.oilers.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=4&id=186415&lang=en

Mark and Mary-Kay Messier discuss The Messier Project's mission, technologies, new M11 PRO helmet and contribution to the game in the New York Hockey Journal's Sept. 25 edition. The story follows reporter Jesse Connolly's story in the New England Hockey Journal on the discussion on and evolution of head protection in hockey.

http://www.nyhockeyjournal.com/news/2012/09/25_helmets_no_longer_an_afterthought.php

Strauss Skates & Bicycles, based in Maplewood, Minn., is a staunch supporter of The Messier Project — and has a great story.

This independent sporting good retailer traces its roots to 1887, when German immigrant John E. Strauss founded the business as a safe and lock company in St. Paul. Using skills he learned making swords, Strauss later began producing figure, speed and hockey skates.  Among his customers were figure skating legend Sonja Henie, other Olympians, and "Original Six" NHL teams and hockey clubs in Minnesota.

You can read the full history of this amazing company at: http://www.buylocaltwincities.com/news/2012/09/2370.

If you're in the Twin Cities, visit Strauss and check out the great service and inventory, including new M11 PRO and M11 helmets.

Left:  Strauss in St. Paul in 1938.  Right: The modern Strauss store in Maplewood, Minn.