The once planned kidnapping of Rangers Hall of Famer, Bill Cook.

When the New York Rangers made their NHL debut in 1926 they were battling the already established

New York Americans for customers at the then new Madison Square Garden on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets.

Johnny Bruno, who had been MSG boss Tex Rickard's fight press agent, was hired to double as Rangers publicist as well. This was a daunting challenge because the Amerks had won the attention of New York sports fans with an assortment of hockey stars.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM0xiQ_V6Ww[/embed]

Bruno's philosophy was that something really "big" had to be done to get the Rangers name in the papers before the home opener. "Ah," said Bruno to a member of the Garden staff, "what could be better than to have the club's best player, Bill Cook, involved in a spectacular news story that'll make Page One in all the dailies."

The stately Lester (Silver Fox) Patrick had taken over the new Rangers reins so Bruno figured that Patrick would go along with his scheme. He knocked on Lester's door.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxpFCCJRXnA[/embed]

"Come in."

"Mister Patrick, I have a terrific idea," Bruno declared. "Tomorrow, I will arrange to have Bill Cook kidnapped."

Before Lester could exhale, Bruno added: "But, of course, we'll locate Cook in time for him to make opening night."

This time Patrick didn't need to exhale or inhale. One word of reply blasted forth from Patrick's mouth.

"OUT! O-U-T, OUT!"

And with that suggestion, Johnny Bruno did an about face and left Lester's office.

That left one potential kidnapper without a gig and Bill Cook intact!