Donald Brashear Gets Booed During Introduction to Rangers Fans

Depending on who you ask, Donald Brashear's introduction to Rangers fans was either a success after a rocky beginning, or simply the beginning of what will be a rocky relationship. At a season ticket holders meet-and-greet on Wednesday night, an event that featured Brashear, Chris Higgins, Chris Drury, Ales Kotalik and Marian Gaborik, the Rangers' new enforcer was greeted with a smattering of boos according to Michael Obernauer of the Daily News, which prompted him to -- jokingly -- challenge anyone in the crowd who was booing him.

The reaction from the fans isn't really surprising given the run-in Brashear, then playing for the Capitals, had with former Rangers forward Blair Betts during the Stanley Cup playoffs in a series that saw Washington overcome a 3-1 deficit.



Naturally, it was a quite a surprise to Rangers fans when the veteran forward inked a two-year deal with the blue shirts in the offseason. As for his formal introduction to the fans ...

Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants was in attendance and observed that the 6-foot-3 forward eventually won the fans over with "his gentle, self-depreciating humor."

For instance, one fan asked the panel who was going to help the Rangers power play, 29th in the NHL last season. Brashear sheepishly raised his hand first.

Not everyone came away with such a good first impression, however. Scotty Hockey was also at the event, but had a very different opinion on how Brashear handled himself in front of the fans.

Donald Brashear. To help deflect the boos and win over people, he played the clown throughout the chat and came across to me as smug and oafish. There were several people who responded to his offer to challenge him and he played it off with a smile. The thing that gets me most is that many folks there were taken in by the teddy bear tough guy act and will gladly cheer for him when he steps on the Garden ice. For shame. Guess it's like the dog that soils the expensive rug. You tell him 'bad dog, bad dog' but ya just can't help but not be mad at him. Your carpet is garbage but, heck, what a sweet, swell animal you have. Fool.

My favorite part of Scotty Hockey's entry, however, is the Wade Redden game-worn jersey with the $500 price tag. I'd say the Rangers have as good a chance at moving that piece of merchandise as they do moving Wade Redden's contract.