New York Rangers: The Story of Dancing Larry
If you are a fan of the New York Rangers and attend at least one game a season, there is a chance you know this guy. Once you hear Strike it Up” by Black Box, you know you are going to see this guy on the Garden Vision.
Dancing Larry has become a staple in the Garden for his dancing that occurs during the last TV timeout in the third period. His dances are to energize both the team and the crowd.
As a kid, Larry grew up in Clifton, New Jersey. Being he was a Jersey kid you would think he would have friends that were fans of the Devils, that was not the case; “Most of my friends at school were Ranger fans, and I didn’t know anyone who cared about the Devils,” said Larry in an interview with Blue Line Station.
It wasn’t until the 80’s that Larry, on his own, got into the sport of hockey, but what drew him to the Rangers? “I became a fan of the Rangers in the early 80’s when Herb Brooks was coaching the team.”
The first game Larry attended was in the Spring of 1985, yet that is not when he made his dancing debut.
The First of Many
“I did my first dance in 1996,” Larry said. “My friend, who usually danced, didn’t show up to a game one night, and everyone wanted me to do it. At first, I didn’t want to, but when my friend stopped showing up I decided to take his spot. One night I was doing it and looked up, and I was on Garden Vision, 20 years later I am still here.”
Now you would think, after a certain amount of time he would be able to pick the song he wanted. However, that was not the case; “They just always played Strike It Up,” a song that we feel is perfect for the routine he does.
With this fame, no matter how big or how small, you are going to have people who either love you or hate you. For Larry he has both fans and haters, “I have lovers and my haters, I know most of it is love, the haters, they don’t bother me. I knew when I started to be in the spotlight more that it is something I would have to deal with.”
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The Rangers have been in the limelight of the NHL for the last few seasons, and not to our surprise that Larry’s favorite moment in the last few years was Game 6 vs. the Montreal Canadiens when the Rangers won the Conference Finals matchup. Rewatching this moment, for any Ranger fan brings back the emotions of the series before, and goosebumps knowing that your team would be playing for the Stanley Cup.
As for the offseason; “I believe the Rangers and Jeff Gorton have quietly made some significant moves to improve the team,” Larry stated. But, when asked what he was looking forward to the most next season he had one answer “VESEY!!!!!”
Next: Chris Kreider's Time to Shine
We will be looking forward to another season of dancing from Larry, and of course, excited to see what this years team will be able to do.