TRAVERSE CITY -- There aren't any names or numbers on the New York Rangers practice jerseys this week during the NHL's prospect camp at Centre ICE.
Perhaps that's the ideal situation for Lyon Messier, who is trying to make his own name in the hockey world that his father, Mark, dominated for 25 years.
"It's a good opportunity for me to play with the best players my age," Messier said.
New York brought in Messier, 21, as a free agent for prospects camp. That's the same organization Mark Messier spent 10 years with, leading the Rangers to the 1994 Stanley Cup.
"I'm just trying to play my game," Lyon said. "Nothing's expected of me, I'm just trying to do my best."
Messier is not like his father. The elder played center and finished his career second in NHL history in points scored. The son is a defender.
While their positions are different, Lyon Messier said there are aspects of his father's game that he tries to emulate.
"His leadership," Messier said. "He was really good with talking to people off the ice, and that's the kind of person I try to be."
Now, he's taking steps to emulate his father's career as an NHL player.
Messier had a difficult season last year, bouncing around a few different leagues.
He played eight games for Erie in the OHL before being traded to the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. Four games later, the Rockets designated Messier for reassignment.
Messier landed on his feet with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. He finished out the season, playing 46 games with 17 points.
"It was tough, but I think it helped me as a player," Messier said. "I'm an older player, so it was tough for me to get a spot because I hadn't played in that league before."
Messier believes the adversity he faced last year will make him a stronger player in the long run.
"That's what it's all about," Messier said. "Not everybody has a pro story to tell. You've got to take your bumps, and that's what I had to do last year."
Messier is taking steps to his pro career this week at Centre ICE, an arena the Troy native has previously played at during winter hockey seasons.
"I played in the NAHL against Traverse City," said Messier, who played for the Texas Tornado. "It's pretty familiar. It's a little warmer, but definitely familiar."
And while he's trying to break in with his father's former team, Messier said he didn't expect his Hall of Fame father to visit camp.
"I think he's going to let me play my game and just have fun," Messier said.
Although, he said it doesn't add any pressure when his famed father does watch from the stands.
"It's just like any other parent watching you play," Messier said.
Print this story
E-mail this story
