Wrapping Up an Emotional Night at The Garden

Adam Graves was bestowed with the New York Rangers' highest honor on Tuesday night as his #9 was raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters, joining Rod Gilbert, Ed Giacomin, Mike Richter, Mark Messier, and Brian Leetch as the only Rangers with their numbers retired. While some question whether his numbers are good enough to warrant his number being retired, I think there is no doubt that his play on the ice along with his contributions off it make him one of if not the most worthy candidate. He truly is a very admirable person for his work while playing and his extra effort in the community.

Last night, the Rangers put together another stirring ceremony, theming the evening "Heart of a Ranger." They had some of the trophies he had won on display: The King Clancy and Bill Masterson Memorial Trophies along with the Stanley Cup, which he famously helped win the Blueshirts back in 1994. They introduced Graves, and showed him walking in, in what was one of the first emotional moments of the night. Several fans lined the hallway to the arena, and he shook many of their hands, stopping to give a big hug to several handicapped children there. That was the first tear-jerker of the evening.

He walked out to a thunderous ovation, and was soon flanked by several teammates of his (Tie Domi was an fun one to see along with Darren Langdon, Stephane Matteau and Jeff Beukeboom also got loud applause, and a nice ovation for the cast of the Sopranos and Police Offer Steven McDonald as well). He was then joined by the other Rangers with retired jerseys and then his family. Then came a wide variety of gifts, from a mosaic made by fans, to a Bruce Springsteen guitar, to a collage by the Sopranos cast.

Messier spoke after the gifts, and his emotions got to him once again and made the fans tear up as well. It's amazing how emotional Mess is, but it just shows how he always wore his heart on his sleeve. His speech was beautiful and spoke a lot about how Graves really was a true leader on the team and was someone who everyone should try to emulate.

After that was the man of the hour. Graves was applauded loudly throughout and all the fans screamed their praise. He spoke about how great it was to play in front of the fans in New York, how much they meant to him, and how much his teammates helped him become the man he is. He was overwhelmed by "the weight" of the honor being bestowed on him that night. Graves spoke beautifully as well and was visibly emotional but never let it stop him from saying what he wanted.

Then, the Banner Raising. This was the most emotional of all in my mind. I have never seen a banner get raised to the rafters before, and getting to see it live was unbelievable. The applause and cheering was so loud and seeing Graves and even his son crying made even the toughest of men shed some tears. Seeing him in a Rangers jersey one more time as he took pics with the other retired Blueshirts and then with Richter, Messier, and Leetch was another great capper on the evening that could never be duplicated.

Graves then walked off to thunderous applause, and tapped his heart, letting all the Garden Faithful know how much he loved them and how much he appreciated their love for him. It was heart-warming for sure.

Although the current version of the Rangers was fairly unimpressive in a 2-1 shootout loss to the lowly Thrashers, the night's main focus was that of Adam Graves and all he has meant to the Rangers organization, Madison Square Garden, and Rangers fans everywhere. He truly has the "Heart of a Ranger" and is someone who I admire tremendously. I wish there were more people like him, who go out every day and strive to make a difference in someone's life.