Rangers Golf Classic
Friday, September 11, 2009
I just got back from two wonderful days with the New York Rangers alumni in White Plains, NY. We held our annual members meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and needless to say it was just awesome to be there! The players that were present, was basically a “Who’s Who” of former Rangers. Nick Fotiu, Ron Greschner, Andre Dore, Rod Gilbert, Eddie Mio, Pat Hickey, Ed Hospodar, Kelly Kisio, Dave Maloney, Brian Mullen, Brad Park, Pete Stemkowski, Steve Vickers, Gilles Villemure, and yours truly.
We discussed many things that were happening with the Rangers Alumni, treasurer’s report, updates, and the NHL Alumni itself. However, the best part of the night was the presence of Head Coach John Tortorella at the meeting to give us an update on this year’s New York Rangers team. Torts was just fantastic. He talked about everything- Gaborik, Brashear, who’s going to fill in the defense this year, what he want’s from his team, how the best players will play the most, etc. He didn’t shy away from some of our questions and he answered everyone. I was really taken by the admiration he has for the former Rangers and old time hockey players. John simply stated that we, who played before, played in an era that he called, “When hockey was hockey”. I was personally thankful for the recognition he gives for the past history of our great game and I think all of us in that room got a little bit of a boost from listening to John. What I also got from Tortorella’s talk was that this Rangers team will be in shape. They will be on the attack and he promised they will be ready to go on opening night in Pittsburgh.
The next day we played in the New York Rangers Golf Classic at the Westchester Golf and Country Club (My group and I finished in 2nd place, not too shabby). As usual, the Rangers spared no expense and the night was capped off with the Rangers Alumni honoring two of New York’s own- Nick Fotiu and Brian Mullen. Let me tell you, it went perfect! Sam Rosen mc’d the event and every player, past or present, took a bow. The best, however, was saved for Nicky and Brian. Both defied the odds and proved that if you want it bad enough, you can succeed. I have a special fondness for Nick Fotiu. He was a teammate of mine, a good friend, and better still- just a good person. Congratulations to both of the honorees, you earned it!
On a personal note, it was great to see some of my former teammates like Steve Vickers and Ron Greschner again. And, I can’t tell a lie, we did break curfew both nights. I guess we will have to pay the fine! Over and out!
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Alright Rangers fans, I know that I'm a little late with my latest post, but now I feel that we have had the time to digest Nik Zherdev's talent and skills being shown the door by Glen Sather. I believe 100% that it was the right move and I commend Glen on making this tough decision. When you look at Zherdev's numbers, you say to yourself, "How could this happen"? Well, to me, it's really simple. This is the NHL where you have to show up every night! Not when you feel like it. Zherdev, unfortunately, fell into that category and it was almost like the second coming of Alexei Kovalev (remember him)? Some nights Zherdev's skating, stickhandling, and overall talent was amazing to witness. On other nights, he would totally disappear. Sorry, that just doesn't cut it with me. Look at Ryan Callahan, for example... while he's not perfect night after night, he will give you his all and that is all about having heart. Nik Zherdev lacked in this department. It's one thing to have the world by the tail, but if you don't have the heart then you just waste the talent. It's sad, but true! The Rangers made the right call on him.
Things have settled down a bit in Rangerland after what I think most would call a "major" overhaul of the roster. I still think that Glen Sather has one more trick up his sleeve before training camp starts. Also, you have the pending outcomes of the Brandon Dubinsky and Nikolai Zherdev contract negotiations/arbitration. Aside from those three situations, there's not much else left to do. So what I want from you die-hard Rangers fans is your opinion and thoughts on all of the moves that were made, how the roster looks, who will make the jump to the big club, etc. I will respond to any and all opinions and comments. Don't be afraid to be brutally honest with your thoughts!
