Kevin Klein’s origin of the nickname: Optimus Klein
Kevin Klein scores in OT 12/8/14 (Getty)
Last night, Kevin Klein rose like a hero to answer the call. On a night where it looked like the Rangers may lose their 9th game of the year after having a lead, he saved them. Of course, just like a superhero he overcame more than just the situation in overtime.
Earlier, Kevin Klein was hit with a high-stick from Penguins forward, Zach Sill and lost a part of his ear. “He lost a piece of his ear and they sewed it back,” Klein’s coach Alain Vigneault said in admiration. And just like a hero, Kevin remained humble in the wake of his performance. “I was just trying to get it by. When it went in, I was pretty happy,” the wearer of the Broadway Hat told reporters after the game.
via the Score
Modesty is a great character trait for any player. Especially a defenseman that is tied for the league lead in goals with 6, 3 of them for game winners. However, what makes Klein so cool is his nickname – Optimus Klein. I personally love it, and makes entertaining fans on social media a blast, literally.
DAMNIT!!!! YESSSSSS!!!! OPTIMUS KLEIN!!!! BIG SHOT!!!! RANGERS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/IVxkCwGk8q
— FullTilt Rangers (@NYR_FullTilt) December 9, 2014
Still, where did he get that nickname? The answer comes from Nashville and his days with the Predators. Riverfront Station is company that makes specialized tee-shirts for their fans. Much like our sponsor 33rd &7th. Their goal is to create clothing that you can’t find in stores that shows that you’re a true diehard fan according to their website.
Optimus Klein (ctsy: Riverfront Station)
One of those shirts happens to be for Kevin Klein and Scot of Riverfront told me why. “He always seems to step up in huge moments. Especially in the playoffs. Kind of like Optimus Prime.”
Kevin Klein took right to it and Scot was happy to share his creation with the man who inspired it. “I’ve sent some of the shirts to him and his family. Spoken a few times on Twitter DMs about it.” Klein was very pleased with the outcome and told Scot, “Yeah they love it. You are the creator”
Originally the shirt was in Predators colors, but upon learning of his trade to the Rangers, Scot went to work on the color scheme. Now it’s all red and blue, which oddly enough are the primary colors of the hero the name was adapted from, Optimus Prime.
So there you have it – that’s where the nickname comes from. It’s certainly one fans have gotten behind and one we owe a special thanks to Riverfront Station for. As for one of those moments? Well, aside from last night’s game winner – here’s one of Scot’s favorites.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I7pG0I2ufQ”]
You can order these awesome shirts here!
And if anyone is looking for a cool wallpaper for your phone…here you go:
Optimus Klein OT Goal 12/8/14
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