Mark Messier's Legacy Still Leaves a Mark in Vancouver
It's been 26 years since Mark Messier departed the Vancouver Canucks, but his legacy continues to echo through the hockey community. The memories of Messier's tumultuous tenure in Vancouver resurface with every significant event in the sport. This week, the Vancouver Goldeneyes made headlines during their PWHL Draft by choosing Ashley Messier, a distantly related player whose family ties to Mark only add to the drama in the city’s hockey narrative.
The Goldeneyes kicked off their draft with the first overall pick, selecting powerhouse defenceman Caroline Harvey, who recently helped the U.S. clinch gold at the 2026 Olympics. However, it was the sixth pick—Ashley Messier—that caught the attention of fans who remember the not-so-fond days of the Canucks’ former captain. With her father, Joby Messier, being Mark's first cousin, Ashley steps into the spotlight hoping to establish her own reputation as a player.
Building on Family Tradition: Ashley Messier's Path
Ashley Messier comes to the Goldeneyes with a promising background, having notched seven assists in her last season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Though her numbers may not yet signal an outright star, she possesses the potential to carve her own identity in the PWHL. The unique connection to a controversial figure like Mark Messier, however, adds layers to her journey, as fans might be intrigued to see if she can overcome the stigma associated with her family name.
New Faces and the Future of Vancouver Hockey
The 2026 PWHL Draft signifies not just a new beginning for Ashley Messier, but also a developing legacy for the Vancouver Goldeneyes. As women’s professional hockey grows, players like Ashley will lead the charge in reshaping the image of the sport in Vancouver. With the backdrop of the previous NHL seasons marred by disappointment, the hope is that fresh talent and narratives can rekindle local enthusiasm for hockey.
What This Means for Vancouver Sports Fans
The drafting of Ashley Messier is more than just a familial connection; it represents an opportunity for redemption—both for her and for the fans. As Vancouver strives to move past the shadows of its hockey history, stories like Ashley's offer a new chapter, one filled with excitement and hope for revitalized support for the Goldeneyes.
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