Racers Eye More Underage Talent (excerpt) by Dick Denny The Hockey News December 1, 1978
After 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky was dispatched to Edmonton along with Peter Driscoll and Eddie Mio, the Racers brought in 17-year-old left wing Mark Messier of Edmonton for a 10-game trial.
Racer coach Pat Stapleton said of Messier, "One game doesn't make a season, but I would say from what I saw
in Winnipeg he is capable of playing in this league right now.
"We were interested in his brother Paul, but he signed with Colorado. Mark skates well, he shoots well and he has poise."
Rod Zaine, Racer assistant general manager who went to Canada to scout several underage players, said Messier "is better all-around right now than Gretzky, although he can't handle the puck like Wayne."