While there will not be an in-person celebration inside Madison Square Garden tonight when the Rangers make their No. 1 draft selection, the franchise -- like others across the league -- are creating a virtual draft party. MSG Exec VP/Sports Operations Kristin Bernert said, “People are looking for connection right now, to be able to connect with something that they love and they’re passionate about. ... We’re finding that our fans want to talk to us." As part of a pre-draft party beginning an hour before the draft, MSN Networks' Bill Pidto will lead a panel discussion with four current Rangers players. The conversation will be available via a secure Zoom connection and will feature an estimated 3,000 fans, including suite holders, season ticket holders, marketing partners and Junior Rangers members, among other individuals. For the Rangers first overall pick, about 500 fans will also join MSG Networks' Sam Rosen and Anson Carter along with seven Rangers alumni live as they watch the selection unfold. Following the pick, the Rangers alumni, including Adam Graves and Mike Richter, and groups of fans will split into various breakout rooms for a Q&A session. Bernert said that some of main overarching objectives with the free virtual sessions is to “remind people what it means to be a Rangers fan” and to allow fans to get to know more about their favorite players, both past and present. Accessibility for the sessions was on a “first-come, first-serve basis,” according to Bernert. Kia is the presenting sponsor for this year’s Rangers draft.
