No real news here other than I just wanted to update you all that the Rangers have announced that they have OFFICIALLY signed Ryan McDonagh to an entry level contract.I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for the time he has spent at Wisconsin. Through the many players that have left Wisconsin before they ran out of eligibility, I'm not sure that I've seen anyone, with the possible exception of Dany Heatley who was truly as NHL ready when they left Madison as Ryan McDonagh.
While Brendan Smith stole the headlines defensively last season, it was McDonagh who led Wisconsin's top pairing, routinely matching up against the oppositions top line. The quiet captain was no doubt the unsung hero of the 2009-2010 Wisconsin Frozen Four squad.
The article put together by the New York Rangers website that I linked above is very well done and had some EXCELLENT quotes from Ryan.
"In my situation, being from Minnesota and growing up playing high school hockey, it was always my dream to play college hockey, and I couldn't have been at a better place than Wisconsin," he said. "I wouldn't trade my three years there for anything. It has been unbelievable.
"The coaching staff has helped me so much and all the players have made it such a fun place to play. It's a great school academically, and you always have a chance to win the national championship, which was one of the main reasons I chose them. Unfortunately, I didn't get that goal accomplished, but the fact of the matter is that I was there and had an opportunity. Looking back on it, I wouldn't have changed that decision to choose Wisconsin, for sure. It definitely was the greatest place for me."
You may have been born in Minnesota Ryan, but you will forever be a Badger. We wish you continued success in the NHL, and may you have a long, healthy career.
Photo by Melody Hasse
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