TORONTO – Hockey icon Mark Messier has signed a marketing deal with XM Satellite Radio and XM Canada, the companies announced today.
Messier will promote XM in Canada and the U.S., especially the satellite radio company’s NHL package. In addition, XM will be the sole presenting sponsor of the New York Rangers on-ice ceremony to retire Messier’s No. 11 jersey at Madison Square Garden prior to the Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers
game on January 12. The sponsorship is part of XM’s comprehensive marketing agreement with the Rangers; XM is the official satellite radio service of the team.
“I’m an XM subscriber and a big fan of the service, so I was excited about the prospect of working with the company,” Messier (right) said in a statement.
Known as The Captain, and Moose, Messier is as renowned for his leadership skills as his incredible list of on-ice accomplishments. The 16-time NHL All-Star left the game ranking second on the NHL’s all-time scoring list with 1,887 points. He holds the distinction of being the only player to captain two different franchises the Rangers and the Oilers to Stanley Cup championships; he won six Stanley Cup championships in total.
Messier will promote XM in a variety of print, broadcast, online, and in-store marketing campaigns aimed at sports fans. He will make regular appearances on Home Ice (XM Channel 204), including an exclusive, in-depth interview to air in January.
“Mark Messier represents an incredible source of talent and leadership in the hockey industry,” said Joe Thistel, news and sports programming director of XM Canada. “As the newest member of the XM Canada family, Mark will bring our unparalleled line-up of sports programming to hockey lovers across Canada, including the most comprehensive coverage of the National Hockey League on the radio.”
