Tonight, the New York Rangers fan base welcomed Kaapo Kakko to New York in fitting fashion at Madison Square Garden.
Last year’s event was held in The Theater at Madison Square Garden, but this year, those in attendance from the New York Rangers fan base were lucky enough to fill a corner of the lower bowl in the arena.
The larger venue was fitting, as fans packed in to see who the Rangers would select second overall.
With a stage positioned about where the blue line might be, John Giannone, Dave Maloney, Anson Carter and Steve Valiquette provided analysis and entertainment for the fans leading up to the selection just after 8:00 pm eastern time.
A handful of the new faces on the Rangers roster including Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, Morgan Barron, Joey Keane and Nils Lundkvist were also in attendance to greet and take pictures with the fans prior to the start the draft.
The Garden was buzzing as Commissioner Gary Bettman stepped up to call the New Jersey Devils up to make the first overall pick.
In even truer New York Ranger fan fashion, as the Devils management took the stage and stated that Martin Brodeur would announce the selection on their behalf, the crowd erupted into a series of prolonged “boos.” Almost so much so that the selection of Jack Hughes was missed.
Upon the news, however, the crowd changed their tune and cheers for the anticipation of Kakko arose.
The brief pause for the Rangers to get their pick in was as brief as general manager Jeff Gorton’s time on stage.
Without hesitation, the Rangers made their selection and Kakko officially became a New York Ranger.
Cheers for Kaapo Kakko at the Garden. Hopefully the first of many over the next 15years. @NYRangers pic.twitter.com/kx4zThbtGM
— John Schiumo (@Schiumo) June 22, 2019
I was thrilled to be there in attendance for this historic moment, with this being the highest pick the Rangers had made since 1966. The atmosphere was absolutely electric.
Shortly after, I grabbed a much needed burger and beer at The Garden Market and celebrated the addition of our first round pick to the team.
Welcome to New York, Kaapo — we can not wait to see what’s in store for you here!