Former Rangers star Mark Messier once wore the helmet of firefighter Chief Raymond Downey who died during 9/11 attack

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 11, 2024 19:13 GMT

On October 7, 2001, Mark Messier and the New York Rangers honored 9/11 heroes during their home opener against the Buffalo Sabres. The players skated through a line of FDNY and NYPD hockey team members, wearing special jerseys that said “New York.”

Larry McGee, the former captain of the FDNY hockey team, carried a fire helmet with a photo of Deputy Chief Raymond Downey. Downey, a respected firefighter, led rescue efforts into the North Tower before it fell on 9/11. At the time of the game, Downey was still missing.

McGee noticed that Rangers captain Mark Messier was not wearing a helmet and requested if he could wear Downey's helmet during the ceremony. Messier agreed and wore it with pride. He later described it as an emotional experience.

Deputy Chief Raymond Downey was known as the “Master of Disaster” for his work in the FDNY. He was involved in several major rescue operations and helped start the Urban Search and Rescue program.

His sons, Joe and Chuck, followed his path in firefighting. The Downey family set up a scholarship fund in his name, raising over $1 million for community causes and scholarships.

Mark Messier’s departure from New York Rangers in 1997 and subsequent return

Mark Messier’s departure from the New York Rangers in 1997 marked a major change for the team. He left to join the Vancouver Canucks after leading the Rangers to a Stanley Cup win in 1994.

Messier’s time with the Rangers from 1991 to 1997 was successful, with the team winning two Presidents’ Trophies and the Stanley Cup.

Messier felt disrespected by the Rangers’ offer of a one-year, $4 million contract. The Vancouver Canucks offered him a more lucrative deal: a three-year, $20 million contract (via South Coast Today). The Rangers thought Messier was asking too much for his age.

His departure started a tough period for the Rangers. The team struggled and missed the playoffs. Even though they signed other big names like Wayne Gretzky, they couldn’t replace Messier’s impact.

Messier returned to the Rangers for a second stint from 2000 to 2004, but his performance was not as strong as before. He retired in 2005, holding records for the most NHL games played, including regular season and playoffs (1,992 games).

Mark Messier’s career lasted 25 years and included time with the Edmonton Oilers, Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks.