Fans Enjoy Memorable Outdoor Rangers Practice in Central Park

NEW YORK, NY – A month ahead of their Winter Classic showdown at Citi Field on New Year’s Day, the New York Rangers have begun preparations for the annual game by partaking in their first outdoor practice in over a decade at Lasker Rink in Central Park on Saturday afternoon. Thousands of loyal fans turned out on a beautiful afternoon to show their support for the team and snag some autographs and facetime with current players and alumni. Some of the Junior Rangers even enjoyed the opportunity to play 1-on-1 against their favorite players on the ice.

Six-year-old Michael Viverito of Franklin Square, who is a member of the Junior Rangers youth hockey ‘Learn to Play’ program was among the many fans who enjoyed the outdoor practice. Viverito’s name was picked out of a lottery and he found out that he would be attending the Rangers practice on Friday after he got out of school.

“It was really cool to see all the players today,” said Viverito, whose favorite player is Henrik Lundqvist. “My favorite part of the practice was meeting (former Rangers forward) Adam Graves and (defenseman) Brady Skjei.”

Matthew Rolon, 13, from Sleepy Hollow, NY found out he would be attending the practice about a week ago and admitted that he was overwhelmed with excitement all week.

“I had so much fun,” said Rolon, whose parents are season ticketholders. “I’ve been to Rangers practices before, but out here there was so much more people here today.”

Meanwhile, Luke Axiotakis, 54, from Ridgewood, NJ says he was fortunate enough to get a pass to Saturday’s practice through an extra pass that his cousin had.

“I think it’s great for the moral of the team to hold an event like this for the fans,” said Axiotakis, 54, a life-long Rangers fan. “It brings the community closer to our beloved team.”

Rangers fifth-year head coach Alain Vigneault had positive comments on the outdoor practice session, while building off the team’s 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night.

“Our guys went out and had a great 45-minute practice,” Vigneault said. “For me it was outstanding. Everyone was in a great mood. Guys went out there and did what they were supposed to. They had funs with the fans after the practice and it turned out to be a very good event.”

Recalling his time growing up in New York, Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said the experience was ‘really cool’ for him.

“This is something that a lot of kids here are dreaming of doing,” suggested Shattenkirk, who has 19 points on the season. “It’s great when the team has an opportunity to do something like this for the community and reach out to all these young kids out here and have them realize that hockey’s a fun sport.”

The Rangers will take on the Buffalo Sabres next month on January 1 at Citi Field in their second appearance in the Winter Classic game. Their first appearance in 2012 at Citizen’s Bank Park resulted in a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Meanwhile, the Sabres, who participated in the inaugural game back in 2008 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, will seek to avenge their 2-1 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their second appearance in the annual New Year’s Day game.