Goulet Retires On Docs’ Advice

Michel Goulet, the No. 11 goal scorer in NHL history, announced his retirement Thursday after 15 years, the last five with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Goulet, 34, had been advised by doctors not to play again after suffering a head injury in a game against Montreal last March.

Goulet, a left wing, broke in with the Nordiques in the 1979-80 season. He spent more than 10 years with Quebec and came to Chicago on March 5, 1990, in a five-player trade.

During his career, Goulet played in 1,089 games, scored 548 goals and had 604 assists for 1,152 points. In 92 playoff games, he scored 39 goals and had 39 assists.

He was a four-time 50-goal scorer and played in five All-Star games. Last season he appeared in 56 games with the Blackhawks and scored 16 goals with 14 assists.

Goulet will remain with the Blackhawks as a roving instructor. He will work with the Blackhawks and the team’s minor league and junior hockey players. He also will do radio commentary.

Messier signs

Mark Messier has agreed to a contract with the Rangers that will make him second to Wayne Gretzky on the NHL salary scale this season and likely keep him in New York for the rest of his career.

The player who led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup championship last year signed a two-year deal, plus a club option for the 1996-97 season. Financial terms were not disclosed Thursday, but it is believed Messier got close to the $6 million he sought.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said Messier.

Said Rangers general manager Neil Smith: “The contract puts him in the NHL heirarchy, which he deserves.”

Gretzky is being paid $8.366 million this year by the Los Angeles Kings, with the contract prorated because of the owners’ lockout. A $6 million salary would move Messier past New Jersey’s Scott Stevens, who makes $5.8 million this season.

Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes $43 million over seven years, an average $6.1 million. However, he will earn less this year.