Hall of Famers not done with NHL
Front office beckons for Francis, MacInnis, Messier and Stevens
THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Tuesday November 13th, 2007
Appeared on page B3
TORONTO - Their stellar playing days made it an easy choice for the Hall. But their hockey careers are far from over.
Ron Francis, Mark Messier, Scott Stevens and Al MacInnis entered the Hockey Hall of Fame yesterday in their first year of eligibility, automatic inclusions that surprised absolutely no one.
And they're not done writing their hockey stories.
Francis and MacInnis are already actively involved in the next chapter of their hockey lives with NHL front-office positions, while Messier and Stevens are contemplating following their lead.
"It's the love we have for the game and the passion we have for the game," said MacInnis, vice-president of operations with the St. Louis Blues. "The game has been so good for all of us over the last 25 years that we feel we can maybe give something back to the game, give back to our respective organizations."
The millions of dollars they made as modern-day NHLers could afford them a work-free retirement in some exotic locale. But hockey's in their blood.
"Everything I have in my life is because of the game," said Francis, now assistant GM and director of player development with the Carolina Hurricanes.
NHL Hall Of Famers.
