The New York Rangers announced today that the team has signed free agent Kayleigh Petersen from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey to a one-day contract. Petersen becomes the first female in franchise history to sign a one-day contract with the team.
Petersen, 8, has been scouted during her House Mite League games this season, and the Rangers felt it was the appropriate time to offer a contract. “She has tremendous skills and we felt her strength and character are through the roof,” said Adam Graves, Rangers Hockey Operations
Department. “We are proud and honored to have her as a part of the Rangers organization.”
From East Brunswick, New Jersey, Petersen began playing hockey at age five and is also currently enrolled in Ballet, Hip Hop and Gymnastics. Her speed, skill and courage have impressed Rangers talent evaluators in her various Intro to Hockey lessons over the last two seasons, as well as at her most recent stint at Full Day Hockey Camp. Petersen is expected to join the team on the ice prior to tonight’s game against the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden at 7pm. The game, which is “Garden of Dreams Night” at MSG, will help raise awareness for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks Inc. to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. Children from several of the Foundation’s partner organizations will be on hand to participate in a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the Rangers, both before and during the game.
