New York Rangers Diary: Derek Boogaard is loving New York City

After a few weeks off this summer, I was getting antsy to hit the ice again.

When I first found out I was headed to New York to play for the Rangers in July, I was really excited. However, I knew it was going to be a big change for me. I was coming from a much smaller town, playing in Minnesota, to now playing in and living in New York City and getting to play at the World’s Most Famous Arena. Even coming here as an opponent in the past, I felt the energy and excitement this city has.

Now that I’m wearing the Rangers sweater, and the Garden is my home turf — well, it’s a pretty amazing feeling. New Yorkers are truly die-hard fans, which is one of the things I love that about this city.

The thing about New York is that there’s literally always something to do.

On Wednesday, I’m actually going to get the chance to be a tourist and ride one of those double-decker buses. It’s an event for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences for kids in the area that haven’t been as fortunate as others. I’m excited to get involved with the community in this city — and also to take some time to explore it. Hockey season is a long one, but I know I’ll make some time to check out some hot spots in the city. Especially those that my teammates own. (Avery, you owe me dinner at Warren 77 for plugging your bar.)

Derek Boogaard plays forward for the Rangers.