With the Rangers 100th Anniversary just around the calendar, we can expect a wealth of new books on the subject.
But for those who can't wait and still want some summertime reading, The Maven can help you out.
As a matter of fact, author Sean McCaffrey can help you out better than I can because he has delivered more historic books about your favorite team than any writer from here to Singapore. (And each of the following works are still available.)
McCaffrey's original word should be read by every MSG official – You, too, Chris Drury – who cares about banner-raising in the upcoming season.
It's called "The New York Rangers Rink Of Honor And The Rafters of Madison Square Garden."
Among the heroic Blueshirts of past Stanley Cup-winners, Sean makes the best case ever for Frank Boucher being the first honoree in the Centennial Year.
If ever there was a "Mister Ranger," Boucher deserved the title. He starred at center – between the Brothers Bill and Bun Cook – on the 1928 and 1933 Cup champs and he coached the 1940 titlists as well as the 1941-42 first place team.
Following World War II, Frank managed the club until his retirement in 1955. The man was a lifetime Ranger. McCaffrey is a lifetime Ranger fan-author.
Remembering Another Hockey Writing Legend; Joe Nichols
There once was a superior hockey writer named Joseph Nichols, although that wasn't his real name.
Any fan interested in the nuances of club history should order any one of McCaffrey's other well-researched works. They include the following:
* "Tricks Of The Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers' History."
* "One Game At A Time – A Season To Remember" – Volume 1 – "Dawn Of A New Day."
* "One Game At A Time – A Season To Remember" – Volume 2 – "The Rise Of Czar Igor."
* "One Game At A Time – A Season To Remember" – Volume 3 – "The Tree Of Trouba."
* "One Game At A Time – A Season To Remember" – Volume 4 – The Playoffs."
McCaffrey is a master of exquisite detail and has a rich sense of humor – although Mika Zibanejad may not agree – loves to write and loves his Rangers; although not after every single game.
His devotion and articulation are evident during the season on his Blue Collar Blue Shirt website. While this Young Maven can be harsh, it's all coming from the heart.
If you don't believe me, get McCaffrey's books! They make for good summer hockey reading.