Derek Stepan Rangers Diary: I dig Chipotle

It’s unbelievable that less than a year ago I was just a regular college student at the University of Wisconsin and now I am skating with and against some of the most talented athletes in the NHL, playing for the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

It was a little overwhelming moving to New York at 20, but we have a young team, so it’s nice to have other guys my age like DZ [Michael Del Zotto] to show me the ropes.

I miss my friends who are finishing their final year at Wisconsin, but it’s been nice to bypass some of those midterms and finals to focus on hockey and become a New Yorker. As a small-town boy from Hastings, Minn., I couldn’t think of a better place to start my career; the guys have been great helping me adjust to the big city.

So most people reading this are probably thinking, “Who is this Derek Stepan guy?”

What can I tell you ... I’m a rookie center for the New York Rangers. My favorite food is a Chipotle burrito, my favorite TV show is “Glee” (nope, I’m not at all embarrassed to admit it) and my favorite Halloween costume of all time was a mailman.

I have to say my best moment wearing a blueshirt so far was actually in my first pro game ever. I’m still in disbelief but somehow I managed to score a hat trick. It was such an unbelievable feeling, especially with my mom there with me in Buffalo watching it live.

There are no better fans than the Garden faithful, and to hear them cheer our team on is the best feeling in the world.

Derek Stepan, 20, was the Rangers’ second-round draft pick in 2008.