Rangers Roundup: Players skate for a good cause and look forward to Peter Laviolette era
The New York Rangers offseason continues with the anticipation for training camp in September starting to build.
Let’s catch up on the latest regarding the Blueshirts.
Rangers Roundup: Skating for a good cause
The New York Rangers took part in a charity event aimed to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health on Thursday night in Connecticut.
Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Barclay Goodrow, and Jonathan Quick suited up at the Shoulder Check Showcase in honor of Hayden Thorsen. In addition, former Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk played with Martin St. Louis behind one of the benches. Former Rangers captain Dave Maloney was the guest MC for the event.
“You can see if you’re hurt physically sometimes, but mentally, it’s very hard to see that and see the signs and know what someone’s going through,” Zibanejad told News12 Connecticut.
Thorsen was a local high school student that played for the Mid-Fairfield Junior Rangers.
It’s a small thing, but it’s a big thing,” Rangers forward Chris Kreider said. “It’s just reaching out. It’s a difficult world for kids to grow up in now, and I think doubly so for young athletes. Sometimes there could be this hypermasculine identity associated with athletics and playing through stuff, whether it be physical or mental. Being a man and being mature is about talking about feelings. It’s about looking out for the people around you. It’s a small thing but in the long run, very big.”
NHL.com
Team St. Louis won in the shootout.
Vets excited to play for Peter Laviolette
The Rangers named Peter Laviolette the 37th head coach in franchise history on June 13. For his NHL coaching career spanning 21 seasons, the 58 year-old has a record of 752-503-25-150 with a 78-76 mark in the playoffs. He’s also been to three Stanley Cup Finals (2006, 2010, 2017) winning with the Carolina Hurricanes on his first attempt.
Mollie Walker of the NY Post caught up with several Rangers regarding the upcoming season at last night’s charity event and the general consensus about the new bench boss was excitement.
“Everything I’ve heard, he’s a great coach,” Adam Fox said. “Obviously, you learn more about him as you actually play for someone. Seems like a pretty straightforward guy.”
Meanwhile, Chris Kreider noted how Laviolette’s teams were always difficult to play against. New York’s leading goal scored from last season, Mika Zibanejad doesn’t expect his game to change but understands there will be changes to the how they will play.
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