(1.) The NHL is featuring your Stanley Cup-winning moment with the Rangers in ’94 in its NHL 2010 Playoff “History Will Be Made” television campaign. It is a really powerful spot that is sure to bring back a lot of memories for fans in New York and around the world. How does it feel to see that spot on TV and for that moment to be a part of the “History Will Be Made” campaign? What memories does it bring back for you?
Well, I can say that I felt a tremendous amount of pride seeing that commercial for the first time. It brought back so many memories of the hard work, dedication, and commitment from many people in the organization. Almost 16 years later, we all share a common experience that has created a bond forever with the team and the great fans of the New York Rangers.
(2.) With the regular season winding down and the NHL Playoffs soon to begin, who do you have your eye on as Stanley Cup contenders?
I cannot remember another season where I felt the Stanley Cup could be won by so many different teams. In my mind, when the playoffs start, the playoff seedings will not guarantee success for the top teams. I really believe the first round may bring about a few surprises. Ultimately, this kind of parity creates a lot of excitement, anticipation and great games.
(3.) Nearing the end of the 2009-2010 NHL regular season, the first for The Messier Project and the M11, how would you hope to see use of the M11 grow at the pro level next season?
We knew going into the season that it was going to be a process for us at the professional level, and we are ok with that. We really want the players themselves to believe in our product. I think many players know who we are after a very successful season. As the idea of wearing a more productive helmet becomes the norm, I think players will continue to turn to us to get the protection they deserve and need to stay in the game.
– The Captain
May 2nd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
In a previous blog, Mr. Messier agreed with me that chin straps need to be tight in order in order for a helmet, like the M11, to properly protect the head.
Until types like Mr. Messier and Don Cherry get on board, this issue it will always remain untalked about. It’s not enough to only make this a grass roots level issue but where it will get the most exposure is at the NHL level. You get the NHL players wearing a M11 with a tight chinstrap it sends positive reinforcement to younger players that if the pros do it then I will to. Watching Game 2 of the Habs/Penguins and seeing Sidney Crosby and how loose his chinstrap is makes me wonder what type of message is he is sending out to all the Tidbit players that idolize him.
I’m currently watching the Windsor Spitfires and Barrie Colts as I type this and there are allot of Junior players that have loose chinstrap. The sad part is they have a rule regarding chinstraps and they don’t enforce it.
Ian Laperriere recently and unfortunatly took a puck to an eye while blocking a shot. After the incident he said that he would wear a visor because he owned it to his family to do everything to protect himself for not only his sake but for his family as well. The same can be said of wearing a helmet like the M11 with a visor and a tight chinstrap. Ask any player who has had a serious concussion. Just getting out of bed made them sick. Try explaining to your kids why you can’t bend over and pick them up without getting dizzy and sick. Players at every level of hockey owe it to their families to protect themselves because every family needs a husband/father or Wife/mother. More needs to be done and I don’t see that happening yet. Please Mr. Messier go on TV and start talking about need for a helmet like the M11 and tight chinstraps.