Don Jackson D (1986-1987) Stephane Matteau LW (1994-1995) Kevin Miller C (1988-1991) Glen Sather LW (1970-1973)
Today in NYR History September 1, 1926:
The Rangers sign Lorne Chabot, Ivan “Ching” Johnson, Murray Murdoch, Melville “Sparky” Vail, and Frank Waite.
Lorne Chabot:
An original Ranger brought to the expansion team by Conn Smythe, Chabot spent two seasons in New York before being dealt to Toronto prior to the 1928-29 season. He earned a Stanley Cup ring with the 1927-28 Blueshirts and suffered an eye injury during Game 2 of the 1928 Stanley Cup Finals — forcing 44-year-old head coach Lester Patrick to replace him in net.
Ivan "Ching" Johnson:
One of the original Rangers recruited by Conn Smythe in 1926, Ching Johnson was the Blueshirts` first enforcer, leading the team in penalty minutes in seven of his 11 seasons. He joined the team as a 27-year-old after establishing his reputation in Minnesota pro leagues for six years.
After playing a key role in the Rangers` 1928 run to the Stanley Cup, Johnson missed most of the 1928-29 season with an ankle injury, suffered during a Dec. 1 game against the Montreal Maroons. He was limited to eight regular-season games but did return in time for all six playoff games.
Johnson retired from the NHL in 1938 after closing out his career at Madison Square Garden with the New York Americans. He became player-coach of his former Minneapolis team in the American Hockey Association and later coached one of the first pro hockey teams in Washington, D.C.
Murray Murdoch:
An original and career Ranger, Murdoch joined the team as one of Conn Smythe`s first "recruits" in 1926. In fact, Murdoch was one of the first players ever to sign a contract with the Rangers after a brief stint with the Canadian Central League`s Winnipeg Maroons.
Playing on a line with Butch Keeling and Cecil Dillon, Murdoch played a key role in the team`s 1933 Stanley Cup championship. He turne in his best postseason performance that year with three goals and four assists.
Murdoch was the team`s original "Iron Man", having played in 600 consecutive preseason, regular-season and postseason games for the Blueshirts. He never missed a game during his 11 years with thte team. His consecutive-games streak of 508 stood for nearly 30 years until it was finally broken by Andy Hebenton.
Following his playing career, Murdoch spent one season as the assistant coach and captain of the Rangers` farm team in Philadelphia. He then went on to become Yale University`s hockey coach for 27 seasons from 1938 to 1965. His lifetime record at Yale was 263-236-20. He won Ivy League titles in 1940 and 1952 and led his 1952 team to the NCAA Frozen Four. In 1972, Yale established the Murray Murdoch Award to honor its annual hockey MVP.
Melville "Spary" Vail:
At age 20, he was one of first players ever to sign with Rangers organization, although he did not reach the NHL level until more than two years later. ... Also played left wing.
Frank "Deacon" Waite:
Waite was original member of the Rangers organization, scouted and signed by Conn Smythe. Although he remained in the minor leagues for his first two seasons with the organization, he later returned after two years with the Can-Am league`s Boston Tigers. ... Led Can-Am league with 15 assists while playing for Rangers` Springfield affiliate in 1927-28.
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