Yesterday we had our Rangers Greats show at the JCC in Scarsdale. It was immediately followed by an appearance with New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist. My day began at 6:30 A.M. when I started unloading my truck and setting up for the show. Overall the appearances were a great success. The first round of public signings began promptly at 10:30 when Ron Duguay, Ron Greschner and Stephane Matteau signed for the public. Dugay and Greshner do not sign very often so there were quite a few customers there to add the guys to multi-signed pieces. While Matteau does come to town occasionally for appearances there was a nice crowd waiting for him. People cannot get enough of that classic Game 7 game winning goal photo. It was one of the greatest moments in Rangers history. After those three were finished we had the two most legendary goalies to ever wear Rangers blue sign from 12:00 - 2:00. Eddie Giacomin and Mike Richter walked in to a ton of applause and chants. Every ten minutes or so there was an "Eddie, Eddie" cheer going. Giacomin is one the nicest athletes you will ever get an autograph from. He is a true gentlemen with both the fans and the media. As I said earlier in the week this was Mike Richter's first public appearance in quite a long time (if ever?). People went absolutely nuts for him. It was awesome as he took the time to stand up and take photos with everyone on line. He really loved talking with fans. I have countless photos I now need to email to customers that were camera-less. After the show wound down we packed up our product and headed across the street to Last Licks Scarsdale for a late afternoon appearance with Henrik Lundqvist. There was already a huge line waiting for him as I pulled up to the store. Henrik arrived at about 4:00 and signed in public for almost an hour and a half. There was an unbelievable turnout considering the Rangers play of late (despite the last two games) and the freezing weather. Rangers fans rank up there with Red Sox fans as some of the most passionate supporters in the world. The day was finally over at about 7 when I loaded up my product to drive home. Aside from the incredible items that were signed in private (including Ed Giacoming goalie masks- the Jason one!) the highlight of the day was, by far, Mike Richter being there. It is extremely gratifying for us, as a company, to be able to bring him in for all of our customers that have been waiting since 1994 to meet him.
Tomorrow I am doing a small private signing with Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. It seems that every day Marty's legend and legacy grows. Last week he had his 10th shutout of the season.
Check back tomorrow for a recap.