Mark Messier Jersey Retirement in Edmonton
I arrived late last night (actually, this morning at 2am) in Edmonton, Alberta for the retirement of Mark Messier's number 11 jersey by the Edmonton Oilers.
First event on the calendar today was an outdoor ceremony in Churchill Square by City Hall. And outdoors in Edmonton in February means minus 10 degrees celsius / 14 degrees fahrenheit. Ouch. About 1,000 to 2,000 rabid fans (wackos?) showed up to be entertained by career highlights on a jumbo TV screen, rock band, politicians, Paul Coffey, and Mark (Moose) Messier himself. It was great.
After Moose thanked his hometown fans, he signed autographs outside for about an hour. That's a key difference between hockey players and NBA or NFL players. Hockey players are generally far more humble and accessible than players from the other major sports.
Tonight is a charity event at a concert hall that seats about 2,500. We'll be there as well. Tomorrow is the game. Don't know where I'm sitting yet, but it doesn't much matter. We'll be there. And so will Moose.
Looks like The Moose has a handful of something that gave him a "stubby."