Fairfield County is not exactly pro sports territory. Our biggest teams are the decidedly minor league Bridgeport Bluefish and Sound Tigers.*
But for 2 hours this afternoon, Westport welcomed the New York Rangers.
Well, 2 Rangers anyway: Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan. They’re captain and alternate captain of our closest professional ice hockey team.
The players are at the Chase Bank branch on Main Street, as part of a Rangers program to increase opportunities and accessibility to youth hockey. They’re collecting donated equipment, to outfit local skaters in need.
They’re also signing autographs, and distributing tickets for a Rangers alumni game in Norwalk.
Okay, McDonagh and Stepan are not exactly Wayne Gretzky. Or even Rod Gilbert.
But for a couple of hours today, downtown Westport looks a little bit like Madison Square Garden.
A very little bit.
(Photo/JP Vellotti)
*If you know what a “Sound Tiger” is, please tell us.
