First off, allow me to wish the best damn blog readers on the worldwide web a Happy New Year. I don't talk about the blog itself too often, especially as of late since I get very caught up with the Rangers season and all, but my God, 2011 was a downright amazing year for The Rangers Tribune. Readers doubled, comments/interaction doubled and our team leads the entire Eastern Conference with 36 games in the books. There's a lot to be proud of around here, so you bet I am heading to Philadelphia this morning with my head held as high as possible.
I'm actually pretty stoked for the entire experience, not only because of the Winter Classic on Monday, but also because this will be my first trip to Philly for a sporting event. I've heard plenty of stories and received plenty of warnings, but I'll be as surprised as anyone if I walk out of here without a single confrontation with a Philly fan. I'm a very - I'm always one to think out loud in life in general, but when it comes to the Rangers my opinionated and defensive natures multiply even more, so this should be an interesting weekend for sure.
Don't worry, I'll represent well, but also won't be allowing any filthy Flyer fan to talk badly of our first place Rangers. It's not happening, at least not on my watch.
Scrolling through some of the tweets from the Rangers' players who are actually on Twitter, it sounds like they are even more excited than me for the event, which I guess is logical since they are actually playing in it. Look at it from their perspective for a minute; they grew up playing hockey hoping one day that they could play in the National Hockey League. They would spend endless hours on the backyard rink or pond, with the snow, rain or whatever pouring down on their heads. Now, in 2012, not only are they living their dream, they're living it where its roots sprouted - outdoors. That's unbelievable, and then you add the Super Bowl-like hype and attention and it makes it that much more special.
And head coach John Tortorella will not admit it, but I'd imagine he is uber pumped for the chance to have his club perform on the big stage as well. Of course, it's all business with Torts and he is 100-percent focused on winning a hockey game on Monday, but I'm sure he'll soak in the atmosphere in the process.
So the next time I talk to you guys I will be in the city of Brotherly Love, or lack thereof. Keep tabs on my Twitter and obviously here for pictures and what not over the next few days. I'm looking forward to bringing the experience to those of you who couldn't make the trip to Philly this weekend.
And once again, Happy Rangers Stanley Cup Year. I mean New Year.
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