NY Rangers Assist Initiative Helps Refurbish Playland Ice Casino
Before the Madison Garden Training Facility opened in 2002, the New York Rangers would hold their practice sessions at the Playland Ice Rink, in Rye.
The Rangers certainly did not forget where they came from; as for the past two years the Rangers supported by Chase Bank have worked to help refurbish the Playland Ice Casino, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
The Rangers and Chase donated $25,000 to the Playland Ice Casino and they have worked jointly with Westchester County over the past two years to repair damages to the Ice Casino. Some of the refurbishments initiated through the New York Rangers Assist Initiative for the Playland Ice Casino, included repairing the roof, installing a new dehumidification system and replacing damaged boilers.
On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Rangers and Chase with the town of Rye and Westchester County commemorated the work completed by the NY Rangers Assist Initiative, by hosting a celebration at the Playland Ice Casino.
Members of the 1994 NY Rangers Stanley Cup Championship Team, including Mike Richter, Adam Graves, Stephane Matteau, Alexei Kovalev, Mike Hartman and Glenn Anderson joined Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino to celebrate the refurbishment of the Playland Ice Casino.
As part of the celebration, the Stanley Cup Champion Rangers coached a “Try Hockey for Free” clinic for 85 children from ages 4-10 years old on the ice at Playland. Also, the Rangers hosted a “Free Family Skating Session” whereas 150 people participated in the event.
The Rangers highlighted the afternoon by playing an exhibition game between members of the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship Team, coaches and Playland Ice Casino volunteers. Astorino stood center ice and dropped a ceremonial puck before the start of the game.
The Rangers alumni game was hosted by Rangers Public Address Announcer John Sheatsley and the National Anthem was sung by legendary Rangers Madison Square Garden anthem singer John Amirante. About 350 spectators attended the game.
The Family Skating Session and the “Try Hockey Free Clinic” were free to the public. The Rangers alumni exhibition game cost $15.00 to attend with all the proceeds going to the “Friends of Westchester County Parks.”
Besides the $25,000 donated by the NY Rangers and Chase through the Rangers Assist Initiative for the Playland Ice Casino, about another $12,500 was raised during the Playland Ice Casino celebration, on Sunday, Jan. 25.
