Toronto, Canada – TORONTO (Reuters) - Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier was named general manager of Canada's team for the 2010 world ice hockey championships on Wednesday.
Messier, who retired as the NHL's second all-time leading scorer and was considered the sport's consummate leader, represented Canada internationally as a player, helping the country to three Canada Cups in 1984, 1987 and 1991.
Twice voted the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, Messier won six Stanley Cups, including five with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the New York Rangers.
Over a 25-year NHL career, the rugged forward amassed 1,887 points, second only to Wayne Gretzky and is the only player in the NHL to captain two different organisations to Stanley Cups.
Canada open the world championship on May 8 against Italy in Mannheim, Germany.
(Writing by Steve Keating; editing by Dave Thompson)
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