Hockey Playoffs & A Day With Dad

My family has always been a sports family. Growing up, I watched my brother pitch in his little league uniform every spring, and traveled to his hockey tournaments every winter.

I loved every minute.

My sister and I were usually found cheering him on behind home plate or in the stands of an ice rink – while sharing a hot pretzel or some kind of gummy candy, of course.

When we weren’t actually at a game, our family was watching one on TV. New York has its share of teams, but only a few have our hearts:

• NY Yankees
• NY Giants
• NY Rangers

Today, I’m here to talk about the Rangers.

My father has loved the New York Rangers for as long as he can remember. He had season tickets back in the day, and was able to get them again a few years ago. He was so excited.

Which is why I was so excited when he invited me to come to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last Sunday: the New York Rangers vs. the Philadelphia Flyers (a HUGE rival, according to my dad).

The game started at noon, so we grabbed some coffees and got an early start to the train station.

Once there, we took in the views of the Hudson River and the beautiful morning.

Just me and Dad. 🙂

We were a little early for the train, so naturally I took a few pictures…

…and grabbed a snack in the shop. (Gummy peach rings – surprise, surprise.)

It was a relaxing ride to Grand Central Station.

Relaxation was a good thing because soon the excitement would start.

The Garden was swarming with people making their way to the game.

We cut it a little close, arriving just before noon.

After a few lines and a few escalators, we made it to our seats – just in time to see the Blue Shirts skate onto the ice! #LGR

The first goal!

The first beer!

When the whistle blew, we got to say hello to some celebs in the stands: Jim Carrey and Spike Lee.

And there’s Whoopi!

Ok, back to the game. Another goal for the Rangers!

Happy, happy!

Third period, four minutes left…it’s time for Dancing Larry.

A true fan, Larry gets down to Strike It Up by Black Box.

Strike it up, this band is gonna play my tune.
Strike it up, I wanna, I wanna tell you so.
Strike it up, nobody’s gonna stop my sound.
Strike it up, you know how lonely one can feel.

LET’S GO RANGERS!

Larry got that crowd pumped up.

As the clock wound down, we were all on our feet.

And we stayed standing to congratulate the Rangers on their 4-2 win over the Flyers. Yeah!

Hold your beer high!

Needless to say, Dad was happy. Look at that smile.

Post-game celebrations were had at Stout NYC, a cool pub right near Madison Square Garden.

Afterwards, we started the walk back to Grand Central. We almost got in trouble for this picture – my dad’s name is Bill.

I found a lovely patch of orange tulips.

I also found this dude. Rrraaagghh!

Back at Grand Central, we had some time before the train so we stopped at this awesome little bar on Vanderbilt Avenue: The Campbell Apartment.

I fell in love with the decor, especially this glass window.

Dad chatted with the bartender…

…while I enjoyed this lovely cocktail. It was the perfect treat before the ride home.

After a little snooze on the train, we were back. The morning sky had turned into a spectacular sunset.

It was the perfect end to a great day. Thank you, Dad ❤