“HOCKEY WEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA” COMES TO NEW YORK

In support of USA Hockey’s annual “Hockey Weekend Across America,” this year, the New York Rangers have teamed up with the city of New York to declare the first ever “Hockey Weekend in New York,” highlighted by a series of special events and complimentary hockey programs throughout the weekend.

In an official proclamation from the city, Mayor Bloomberg states that, “In our schools and on our playing fields, New York City is committed to helping children enjoy the benefits of exercise and good health. And whether young New Yorkers prefer to lace up their skates, rollerblades, or sneakers, playing hockey is a great way to stay fit, have fun, and learn the value of teamwork.  That is why we are proud to join the first place New York Rangers in Celebrating Hockey Weekend in New York.”

Throughout the weekend the Blueshirts will host various activities in New York to continue their commitment to growing the sport at a grassroots level by encouraging people to take to the ice. Rangers players Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin and alumni Ron Greschner and Pete Stemkowski will kick off the weekend by hosting autograph sessions at Chase Bank locations in the area on Friday, February 17. For a list of locations, visit NewYorkRangers.com/HWNY. Additional “Hockey Weekend in New York” activities to include:

Rangers Annual Outdoor Hockey Festival
WHO: New York Rangers alumni Nick Fotiu, Ron Greschner, Brian Mullen, Chris Ferraro and Peter Ferraro
WHAT: Afternoon of free lessons, giveaways, autographs, clinics, and public skating sessions at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Free entry for anyone wearing Rangers gear
WHEN: Saturday, February 18; 12pm-5pm

Youth Hockey Night at MSG Presented By Chase
WHO: MSG Network Analyst John Giannone & New York Rangers alumni Adam Graves, Nick Fotiu and Brian Mullen
WHAT: Pre-game forum for youth hockey players hosted by John Giannone & Rangers alumni; In-game presentation of 5th Annual Emile Francis Award for youth hockey volunteerism
WHEN: Sunday, February 19; 5pm-11pm

Rangers Free Skate Courtesy of Chase
WHO: New York Rangers alumni Adam Graves, Nick Fotiu, Ron Greschner, Pete Stemkowski and Brian Mullen
WHAT: Free public skating sessions offered at various community ice rinks across the tri-state in celebration of Hockey Weekend in New York featuring lessons with alumni, giveaways, autographs and photo sessions
WHEN: Monday, February 20

• 9am-12pm – World Ice Arena (Queens, NY)
• 10am-12pm – Oyster Bay Skating Rink (Bethpage, NY)
• 10:20am-12:20pm – Floyd Hall Arena (Little Falls, NJ)
• 1:30pm-5pm – Playland Ice Casino (Rye, NY)