Mark Messier’s relative just got drafted by the Vancouver Goldeneyes
Just when you thought that Vancouver had escaped the Messiers once and for all.
It’s been almost 26 years since notorious ex-Vancouver Canucks captain Mark Messier left the city for good. After three forgettable years with the organization, the despised former Canucks re-joined the New York Rangers.
Thankfully, his departure coincided with the Canucks going on a run of making the playoffs in 10 of 12 seasons. However, the scars of the Messier era remain.
At least, it was a distant memory until Wednesday night.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes were holding their PWHL Draft on Wednesday, with the first overall pick. With that selection, the Goldeneyes chose the consensus No. 1 overall candidate, defenceman Caroline Harvey. The New Hampshire native recently helped the U.S. win gold in women’s hockey at the 2026 Olympics. She also tied for the tournament lead with nine points in seven games.
Vancouver had three other choices before stepping up to the podium at 61st overall. With that pick, they chose defenceman Ashley Messier.
ROUNDING IT OUT WITH A DULUTH DOG 🤩 pic.twitter.com/OEKj0hi9m0
— Vancouver Goldeneyes (@PWHL__Vancouver) June 18, 2026
Ashley is, in fact, a relative of Mark.
Her father, Joby Messier, is a first cousin of Mark, making Ashley a second cousin of the former Canuck.
Joby actually played in the NHL with the Rangers at the same time as Mark. However, he was largely a minor leaguer, playing 25 career games with the Rangers over three seasons. Joby currently works with the Calgary Flames as a college scout.
Ashley was the sixth and final draft pick for the Goldeneyes last night. The 24-year-old recorded seven assists in 36 games last season for the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
The prior season, she was more productive, with seven goals and 20 points in 35 games.
But the best news for Ashley is that she won’t have to do much to be more beloved than Mark in Vancouver.