Messier ex-Ranger

MARK MESSIER IS leaving the New York Rangers after being passed over to replace fired head coach John Tortorella.

Messier, who had been a special assistant to Rangers general manager Glen Sather, announced yesterday in a statement that he is resigning in order to "expand the game of hockey in the New York area by developing the Kingsbridge National Ice Center."

However, he added that the Rangers' choice to hire veteran coach Alain Vigneault to be the new head coach wasn't a factor in his departure from the team.

"I would like to thank the New York Rangers and particularly Glen Sather for giving me the opportunity over the last 4 years to work with the Rangers," said Messier. "Although some will perceive this as a reaction to the coaching decision, nothing could be further from the truth. I completely respect the decision that was made and for all the reasons it was made. I harbor no hard feelings toward Glen or the Rangers.

"This is a personal choice I am making to create a program in the New York area that will give our children more choices and opportunities in the future. I wish the Rangers nothing but the best in the future."

The Kingsbridge National Ice Center, proposed for the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, would be the largest ice sports facility in the world.

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* The Pittsburgh Penguins and forward Chris Kunitz have agreed on a 3-year contract extension. The deal begins in 2014 and runs through the 2016-17 season.