Home For Me: The New York Rangers

This was my first time in the Garden. I had moved to New York the previous year (during the lock-out). I had always dreamed of seeing the New York Rangers play since I was a teenager, and by luck someone had given me tickets for the game that night. This was my first time ever seeing the New York Rangers, who were playing against the New Jersey Devils that night. This was also a memorable night for Henrik Lundqvist, who was making his first appearance on MSG ice, replacing Kevin Weekes in goal.

I remember sitting there watching Henrik in complete awe. I had never seen someone skating backwards doing the splits before. Henrik would go on to win the Olympic gold medal in men's hockey just a few months later.

Sitting in Madison Square Garden is a unique feeling. The building holds on to so many memories for millions of people. Championships have been won in that building. Legends have played in that building. The building just absorbs all of the good memories into its walls. Anyone can feel the excitement and amazing history it holds when they sit in the Garden. There is no other feeling like it in the world.

The moment I felt at home was during a stoppage of play. Jed Ortmeyer, under the direction of Steve Rucchin, was looking at an older gentleman sitting in front of me (which I knew was a famous sports figure, but didn't know who he was, I just recognized him from days long past). Jed slowly turned his gaze towards the woman sitting behind that man and laid eyes on me watching him. Our eyes met and he smiled. A New York Ranger smiled at me from the ice.