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The Resurgence of Mats Zuccarello
Chris Vallely
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
“ZUCC” chants can be heard in every arena during the NHL season. Nicknamed “The Hobbit” by Blueshirts fans, Mats Zuccarello has always been a fan favorite. Standing at just 5’7, he’s one of the shortest players in the NHL. Even though size may be a weakness, Mats plays with a ton of heart and grit.
He plays with a certain edge that fans have fell in love with. His journey to the National Hockey League is a success story on its own. Since he played most of his career overseas and was never drafted, he wasn’t on the radar amongst NHL teams. After putting on quite a performance in the Olympics, Zuccarello was ready to make the jump.
On December 8, 2010, the New York Rangers signed him to a NHL contract. The Rangers wanted to see if he could adjust to North American play, so he started his career in the AHL. Despite dominating in the American Hockey League, Tortorella was unconvinced of Zuccarello’s play. The Norwegian winger only played in 67 games in 3 seasons with the New York Rangers, the rest were played with the Hartford Wolfpack. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers sign Steve Fogarty to entry level contract; Mats Zuccarello nominated for Masterson Trophy
Bobby Bevilacqua
Steve Fogarty. Photo courtesy of Michael Yu/The Observer.
After signing Michigan prospect Boo Nieves to an entry level contract, the Rangers announced that they signed 2011 third round draft pick Steve Fogarty to two year, entry level contract.
Just like Nieves, the contract will not kick in until next season, and he will join the Hartford Wolf Pack on an ATO – essentially a tryout. The signing came after his senior season at Notre Dame.
Fogarty, turning 23 in April, recorded 23 points in 37 games during his senior season, his highest point total in his four years at the collegiate level. He helped the Fighting Irish reach the NCAA tournament, where they were knocked out by Nieves and the Michigan Wolverines. Read the rest of this entry
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