Official statement on the passing of Detective Steven McDonald: https://t.co/XUvbxC5FdB pic.twitter.com/ywqyjd5iBh
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 10, 2017
NYPD Officer Steven McDonald, who most know as the New York Rangers biggest fan, was so much more to so many individuals.
Very rarely does a man find himself in a situation like Steven McDonald had his entire life. Rarely does an individual touch the lives of so many while weaving himself into the fabric of his own beloved organization.While it’s true that NYPD Officer Steven McDonald meant so much to so many individuals involved in the New York Rangers organization, “Superfan” should be a tag that is never used in isolation.
McDonald represented much more.
Growing up as a Rangers fan during the 1980s and early 90s, I was quickly familiarized with McDonald. While very young, I knew he was a fearless police officer who, seemingly, always did the right thing no matter how hard the pill felt to swallow.
On July 26, 1986, McDonald was shot three times near Central Park by 15-year-old Shavod (Buddha) Jones. Despite the bleak prognosis after haven been shot in the neck, face, and wrist which left him a quadriplegic, McDonald publicly forgave Jones, via the New York Daily News.
“I forgive him, and hope that he can find peace and purpose in his life,” McDonald said on the day of son Conor’s christening.
To McDonald, his mission of spreading the love and words of god was far more important than any grudge he could have held over his shooter’s head.
Shortly after the incident, McDonald (who had already been crazed about his Rangers), became a fixture at Madison Square Garden and in and around the Big Apple. His Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award commenced during the Rangers season of 1987-88.
Excitable Jan Erixon took home the first prize. Other winners have included Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Brian Leetch, Wayne Gretzky, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, and Henrik Lundqvist.
Cally enjoyed the great opportunity of winning the $25,000 check made out to the Steven McDonald Foundation four times (the second most times any Rangers player has taken home the award). Graves won it five times, the most in franchise history. Mats Zuccarello is the most recent recipient, winning it two of the last three campaigns.
Rest in peace, Steven McDonald. #NYR pic.twitter.com/ouZDMrA7Li
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) January 10, 2017
Fans, players and even broadcasters alike considered the award the second most important aspect to the Rangers season after their place in the standings and finish in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Once his death was reported, the outpouring of love began:
His courage & dedicated service to New York City was an inspiration to us all. Today we mourn the loss of Detective Steven McDonald. pic.twitter.com/EqZdpo5c8j
— NYPD In Memoriam (@NYPDInMemoriam) January 10, 2017
Det. McDonald, 59, who loved cops/community/life & @NYRangers, has passed. Source of inspiration & incredible hope to people the world over. pic.twitter.com/GT73wIhJ3y
— Commissioner O'Neill (@NYPDONeill) January 10, 2017
Sad day. Thinking of The McDonald family https://t.co/qsQppSYLfY
— Brad Richards (@BRichards_1991) January 10, 2017
Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
— Derek Stepan (@DerekStepan21) January 10, 2017
Rest in peace Mr Steven McDonald! Uve been an inspiration for many of us!
— Marian Gaborik (@MGaborik12) January 10, 2017
Winning this award was truly an honour and one of the greatest accomplishments of my career because of what he embodied and what the award..
— Cam Talbot (@ctalbot33) January 10, 2017
…stood for. His legacy will live on through the community and this prestigious award. #AboveandBeyond
— Cam Talbot (@ctalbot33) January 10, 2017
So sad to hear about the passing of a true hero Steven McDonald. He, Patti Ann and Conor are such a big part of the New York Rangers family.
— Ryan McDonagh (@RMcDonagh27) January 10, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the McDonald family after the passing of Steve. He was a true hero to all of us. pic.twitter.com/LCgkPME6Ce
— Ryan Callahan (@TheRealCally24) January 10, 2017
So sad to hear about the passing of Steven McDonald today. Winning the award in his honor is one of my most proud accomplishments…
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) January 10, 2017
As a hockey player. I wanna send my condolences out to Patti Ann and Conor and let them know that their family always has a place in my…
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) January 10, 2017
Heart. And lastly thanks to the @NYRangers for continuing to honor his legacy.
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) January 10, 2017
Rest In Peace Steven McDonald.
Our friend. Our hero. Above and beyond. pic.twitter.com/6xOHSGnlyO
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 10, 2017
McDonald passed away on Jan. 10, 2017 at the age of 59 after suffering a massive heart attack a few days prior.
Rest in peace, Steven McDonald. You will be missed
Fortunately, for us, we also know when your New York Rangers return to action at MSG when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs this coming Friday, you will be watching from above while pacing the room full of nervous energy.
