Latest York Rangers captain JT Miller was honored Thursday with a distinguished off-ice accolade, receiving the Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” Award, the franchise announced. The award, now in its fifth 12 months, is presented to the player “who best honors Rod’s legacy by exemplifying leadership qualities each on and off the ice, and making a major humanitarian contribution to his community.”
Miller, named the twenty ninth captain in team history before the season, was honored in a pregame ceremony before Latest York’s matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
“It’s an honor,” said Miller. “I feel proud, but feel a whole lot of pride for that Mr. Gilbert was an unbelievable Ranger and wore the crest in addition to anybody. I do know what he means to town and the organization and the Rangers, so to give you the chance to go down there and be an element of that. It meant so much to my wife, Natalie, and I. That is something we’re just getting began with, and it has been awesome to this point being back being a Ranger. It means the world to me.”
The 33-year-old forward and his wife, Natalie, made a franchise-record $154,000 donation to the Garden of Dreams Foundation in January. The contribution funded the acquisition of 10 luxury suites, allowing youth from partner organizations, including the NYPD Widows and Kid’s Fund, SCAN-Harbor, and Ronald McDonald House Latest York, to attend Rangers games and meet the Miller family afterward. Miller also participated in BGC Charity Day, honoring victims of the September 11 attacks, and remained energetic in team-led community events, including postgame fan meet-and-greets.
Miller has recorded 47 points in 62 games this season, comprising 16 goals and 31 assists. He also helped the USA win the gold medal on the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Previous recipients of the esteemed award include Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, Adam Fox, and Jonathan Quick.
Latest York Rangers captain JT Miller was honored Thursday with a distinguished off-ice accolade, receiving the Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” Award, the franchise announced. The award, now in its fifth 12 months, is presented to the player “who best honors Rod’s legacy by exemplifying leadership qualities each on and off the ice, and making a major humanitarian contribution to his community.