Mark John Douglas Messier OC (/ˈmɛsieɪ/; born January 18, 1961) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey centre and a former special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 until 2004. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. He also played in the World Hockey Association (WHA). He was nicknamed "The Moose" because of his aggressiveness and strength.