The Moose is taking his next management role with the national team.
Mark Messier will be named Canada's general manager for the 2010 IIHF world hockey championship at a press conference today, a source told The Canadian Press.
Messier currently works in the New York Rangers front office as a special assistant to president Glen Sather.
Hockey Canada's decision to hire him for the world championship team follows its pattern of employing former NHL stars. Wayne Gretzky, Steve Yzerman, Joe Nieuwendyk and Luc Robitaille all have been involved with Canada's entry in the tournament in recent years.
Emery to go under knife
PHILADELPHIA -- Flyers goalie Ray Emery will undergo surgery today to repair a torn muscle in his lower abdomen. He is expected to miss about six weeks.
Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren made the announcement last night before the Flyers beat the New York Islanders.
The Flyers, who had lost five in a row and eight of nine going into last night's game, recalled goalie Johan Backlund from Adirondack.
Emery hadn't been playing well, and was pulled from Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals after allowing five goals.
'Canes activate Ward
RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes have activated goaltender Cam Ward from the long-term injured list. Ward had missed the past 13 games after he was cut on the leg by a skate in a game at Columbus on Nov. 7. Ward is eligible to play at New Jersey tonight.
Columbus, Blues do deal
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Blue Jackets have acquired defenceman Brendan Bell and forward Tomas Kana from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Pascal Pelletier. The Blue Jackets announced the trade yesterday. Bell and Kana have been assigned to the club's AHL affiliate.
