RangersTown ? pic.twitter.com/gZWxnAGJxw
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 2, 2017
With the New York Rangers playing in the 2018 Winter Classic, naturally, they had to have an outdoors practice.
The Rangers started off the Winter Classic festivities with a practice at Central Park. Fans were invited to the free skate where they got to get a glimpse of what an NHL practice looks like.
Central Park was full of adults and kids eager to get a look at what they can expect not only for the Rangers next game in Pittsburgh but what they can expect in the outdoor elements on January 1st. The Rangers are no strangers to outdoor games playing in three of them over the last seven years, but fans have been eager to get back outdoors.
"I think it's great when the team has the opportunity to do something like this for the community and reach out to all these young kids out here." – @shattdeuces on today's #NYR practice in the Park. pic.twitter.com/Ys2aK0LcJl
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 2, 2017
Kevin Shattenkirk told reporters that practices like these are “fun for us.” With the Rangers not playing until Tuesday, it made all the sense in the world to throw in a fun little event for the team and the RangersTown community.
Shattenkirk grew up in the New York area and when asked about what it was like to practice outdoors in New York City, his face lit up. “It’s pretty cool. It’s something that I think a lot of kids growing up here dreaming of doing in the long-term.”
"Our team had a good time today." – J.T. Miller chats with the media after today's #NYR practice in Central Park. pic.twitter.com/YR5qEGSbpb
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 2, 2017
“It’s a little smaller stage here, but it’s really good for the fans. I think our team had a good time today” J.T. Miller said when talking about the Rangers skate in Central Park.
When asked about the big game in January Miller said”Obviously I’ve never been able to play in one, so I’m really looking forward to that. SOmething really special that you’re going to remember the rest of your life.”
"For me, it was outstanding." #NYR head coach Alain Vigneault was all smiles after today's practice in Central Park. pic.twitter.com/7Ztcyp6vwo
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 2, 2017
“It was a great day,” head coach Alain Vigneault said when talking about the Rangers big practice in the middle of New York City. “I never thought I’d get the opportunity to do this” Vigneault said who is in his fifth year as Rangers head coach.
Vigneault called the two outdoor games he took part in with the Rangers in the 2013-2014 season “some of the best events I’ve ever had in my life.” The Rangers won both of those games against the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders at Yankee Stadium.
Other Rangers News, Stories
- ESNY’S Frank Curto ranks the top goaltenders in Rangers franchise history.
- Rangers prospect Morgan Barron has been tearing it up as a freshman at Cornell. ESNY’s Neal Purcell profiles the 19-year-old.
- Blue Shirt Banter’s Shayna Goldman questions if we should be worried about Henrik Lundqvist‘s workload this season.
