Hockey Living: The New York Rangers Ice Bucket Challenge

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Marc Staal, Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi teamed up for a good cause.

Marc Staal, Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi teamed up for a good cause.

After four wet weeks of the Ice Bucket Challenge, The New York Rangers were late to the game, possibly confusing it to the challenging Polar Vortex most New Yorkers endured, last February. Maybe it was because they competed for the most glorious Cup of all, and like the LA Kings were just using the off-season as a means to rest. But alas, the Rangers rose to the occasion and the ice water was dumped.

Despite the expected backlash from Ice Bucket Challenge haters, complaining about the waste of water due to the drought in California or pro-life organizations rallying against it because of the ALS Association’s use of stem cell research, the Ice Bucket Challenge has now raised $53.3 million toward the research of what we know as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Marketing win!

Enough with the serious stuff. Ladies and Gentlemen, Eastern Conference Champion and Stanley Cup finalists, the New York Rangers complete the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist took time out of his busy schedule and competed his Ice Bucket Challenge in a waistcoat, always competing for the Best Dressed Ranger competition.

Fan favorites Defenseman Marc Staal, Centerman (and newlywed) Derek Stepan and Defenseman Dan Girardi competed the Challenge together as if they were riding that line together on the ice.

Rangers Left Wing Mats Zuccarello went solo and stole more pre-teen girl hearts.

Left Wing Chris Kreider completed his challenge and nominated both Dominic Moore and John Moore who have yet to accept the Challenge. However, considering D. Moore’s philanthropic efforts this summer and J. Moore’s impending status as a Ranger, we shall see.

Settling in comfortably with the Rangers was Right Wing Martin St. Louis with his three children as he competed the Challenge. Look at what his son does!

The other Rangers pre-teen loved hottie Centerman Derick Brassard, without his road trip bestie, performed an epic Challenge.

Challenged by sometimes NY Ranger and sometimes Hartford Wolf Pack Ryan Bourque, NYR Prospects, who so badly want to be on the Stanley Cup finalists team, Dylan McIlrath & Mackenzie Skapski secured their Ice Bucket victory.

The voice of the MSG Networks, the most biased voice of the New York Rangers (by contract) Sam Rosen partook in the Challenge.

Former Ranger, 73 year-old Winger Rod Gilbert even participated.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 21, 2014

These are the only New York Rangers to have competed the Ice Bucket Challenge and with the Bruins and Penguins leading the way to Ice Bucket Victory, this Ranger fan is disappointed.

As a Challenge participant who has touted the many positive, team-building elements of this activity, I now challenge: Ryan McDonough, Rich Nash, Dan Carcillo, Carl Hagelin, Dan Boyle, Cam Talbot, Raphael Diaz, Kevin Klein, J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, and Michael Sauer. You have 24 hours to complete this challenge or donate $1,000 to the ALS Association (because you are all millionaires).

With the end of the summer approaching and the new hockey season upon us, here is to the good times we shared with an incredibly successful social media marketing campaign while beating the heat.

As a side note, former NYR goalie and beloved 1994 “Oh Baby” commentator, John Davidson challenged Glen Sather. Now wouldn’t that be the best one yet? We think so.

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLI_Z1OyQrA”][youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bDgRd8zkSE&w=560&h=315][/su_youtube]

UPDATE: Within hours of us posting this article, Sather came through.

If you loved this, check out Kaet’s great piece on FTHN Magazine HERE!

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