Messier stands as rare trade acquisition

It can no longer be said that the Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans refuse to work a deal. New Chief Marcus Messier is proof of that. Read story

Here are a few other things Messier said.

On settling in Spokane: “It’s been pretty good and everybody’s been pretty cool to me. It’s a lot bigger city, so I think that’s a lot different. I got into a routine during my four years in Tri-City.”

On playing for “the enemy:” “I think it kind of gets to a place where you can put that behind you and look at the good side. … Really, it’s all about fun and fair competition.”

On leaving Tri-City behind: “I met some amazing friends (in Kennewick). It’s a small world, the hockey world, and we’ll see Tri-City seven (now six) more times this year. Some of my best buddies are over there.”

On his family’s reaction to the trade: “My older brother played for Don (Nachbaur) and had nothing but good things to say about Don. My parents are huge fans of his. … Some people have trouble getting past Tri-City-Spokane rivalry, but really it’s just two teams trying to do their best.”