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The Captains Son can play
The Captains Son can play
By CATHY HARAST
Saff writer of Dallas Morning News
FRISCO- Lyon Messier's dad worked nights, weekends and more winters than almost anyone who ever wore a National Hockey League sweater.
For 25 seasons and three NHL teams, Mark Messier put up nembers that staggered the sport and the imagination. His road to six Stanley Cups, 694 goals, 1,887 points and 16 All-Star citations rarely intersected his son's hockey games.
Mark Messier and Lyon's mother, Lesley Young, were together briefly and never married. when Lyon (pronounced LI-en) was little, he saw more of his dad's games on TV than in person
But they began to share more hockey experiences in recent years, chatting online and spending one-on-one time in the summers.
Now that Mark Messier has retired, Lyon's share of his dad's time has increased.
When Lyon, 18, plays in the Texas Tornado playoff oper Saterday night, Mark Messier said he expects to be in the stands at the Dr Pepper StarCenter-Frisco.
"It's exciting for me to see him playing hockey," Mark Messier said by phone. "I'm glad that he really loves it. This is probably the most he's learnedin hockey since he started playing."
Lyon, a defensemen for the Tornado, graduated from Troy High School in Michigan last year and moved with his mother to Frisco in August.
"A lot of the guys I'd talked to said this was the best to play," said Lyon, who grew up in his mother's home state of Virginia until she moved with him to the Detroit area when he was turning15. "I was just Dumbfounded at how nice the Frisco rink was and how organized the club was. Everything's first class here."
Mark Messier, 45, announced his retirement in September, and his No. 11 New York Rangers sweater was retied in an emotional Jan. 12 ceremony at the Madison Square Garnden. He said he was grateful that Lyon was able to attend the celebration.
"It was really important for the whole family to have him there," said Mark Messier, whose other childern are Gouglas, 2, and Jacqueline, 7 months old. "I think he really felt connected."
LYON CAN SKATE, TOO
When Mark Messier was 18, he played his rookie season with the Edmonton Oilers. Hockey experts say the Messiers are similar in the skating ability, though Lyon has not demonstrated the same level of aggressive leadership that The Captain showed.
Lyon, whobegan playing hockey when he was 9, used to connect with his dad mostly by watching video of great Messier moments. As the son grew into the game, he took to heart his father's advice.
"He said, 'Don't put so much pressure on yourself,'" Lyon said. "He said,'Just have fun with the game and let the game come to you.'"
Does Mark Messier ever come across with Father-Knows-Best advice?
"You get a little nervous, but he's your dad," Lyon said. "He's just wanting you to play your best. He tells you what you're doing wrong and makes you better."
LEARNING IN FRISCO
The Tornado is seeking its third consecutive Robertson Cup-the crown for the North American Hockey League, a 20-team unior "A" league for players ages 20 and under. Tornado coach Tony Curtale has attracted talented players because of his reputation for developing them, Mark Messier said.
Lyon, 6-1 and 190 pounds, had a goal and an assist on the game-winner in the Tornado's 4-1 victory over the Santa Fe Roadrunners on Saturday. He had three goals and 16 assists this season.
"I've seen him gaining confidence and breaking out of his shell," Curtale said. "He's become muchsteadier defensively, which allows him to be on the ice more."
But not wearing No. 11. Tornado forward Ryan Fuller already had No. 11. Lyon wears No. 3.
"That's just what they gave me," Lyon siad.
Lyon said he would like to play at a big-time hockey college, but he expects to be with the tornado next season. Playing with the Tornadodoes not jeopardize a player's potential NCAA eligibility.
Curtale said that rgw three Tornado games attended by Mark Messier- a center who played for the Oilers, Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks and was second only to Gordie Howe in regular-season games played- prved to be a pleasure.
"Mark's been around and been great," Curtale said. "Lyon has actually had some of the best games in front of his dad."
Lesley Young, Lyon's mother, moved from Detroit and bought a house in Frisco once her son decided to play for the Tornado. Her job as an X-ray tecknologist is close enough to home and the StarCenter that she can make lunch for Lyon.
"I would rather be able to see him play and be part of his life," sadi Young, a former fashion model.
Captain Brett Blatchford said Lyon has been a good addition to the Tornado.
"He really adds depth," Blatchford said. "He's progressed a lot. He's become more composed. He's making sure he finds the right play before he makes it."
Let the game come to you, Lyon Messier's father told him. When his father comes to the game in Frisco, No. 3 will stick with that solid, simple precept.
Said Lyon: "I'm just trying to do my best and be in the lineup."
LYON MESSIER OFF THE ICE
Favorite Food: Steak, Medium rare
Favorite Music: Everyithng, especially R&B and rap
Dream Vacation: Padre Island
Favorite sport to watch other than Hockey: Football
Favorite Football Team: Washington Redskins
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite TV Show: Sportscenter
Favorite Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Great article
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