2012 Winter Classic locker room
Girardi’s leadership is something that goes beyond what we see on the ice. Rangers management named Girardi an alternate captain during the 2011-12 season, while Marc Staal was out with an injury. It would a become a title he would hold throughout the remainder of his time with the Rangers.
Here is a clip from the Winter Classic from the same year Girardi was awarded his “A.”
It is not often we get to see moments like these, which is why it is a moment to highlight.
Based on the outpouring of posts via social media by many Rangers on Wednesday — from Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan McDonagh to Mats Zuccarello — it is clear Girard was loved and will be missed by his teammates.