RIP John Halligan (Updated)

The Ranger Universe lost a truly wonderful person today in John Halligan. From the Rangers:

PASSING OF JOHN HALLIGAN

New York, January 20, 2010 – It is with great sadness that the New York Rangers announce the passing of a long time member of the Rangers family, John Halligan.

“John Halligan was an institution with the Rangers, and is as much a part of the tradition and history as any player who has worn the sweater,” stated Glen Sather, President and General Manager. “His tremendous loyalty and love for the organization and the game of hockey will be greatly missed.”

Halligan joined the staff of the New York Rangers in 1963, and served as the club’s Public Relations Director and Business Manager during his first tenure with the team. After 20 years with the organization, Halligan left the team in 1983 to join the National Hockey League as Director of Communications. He returned to the Rangers in 1986 as Vice President of Communications and remained in that capacity until 1989 when he became Director of Community Relations and Special Projects. He then rejoined the league in 1990 as the Director of Communications for NHL Anniversaries, the group which coordinated the League's 75th anniversary celebration in 1991 and Stanley Cup centennial in 1993. Halligan continued his tenure with the National Hockey League as the Director of Special Projects until 2006.

Halligan was a founding member of the Rangers Alumni Association along with Bill Chadwick and Steve Vickers and remained an active member. In 1993, he was honored by the organization at the New York Rangers Golf Classic for his dedication and service to the Rangers and their alumni.

In his 53 year career as a public relations executive, author, and historian, Halligan earned numerous honors and awards. He was honored by USA Hockey and the National Hockey League with the prestigious Lester Patrick Award in 2007 for his outstanding service to hockey in the United States. During his career, he was also recognized by the Public Relations Society of America, the City of New York and the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. In addition, he served as a member of the selection committee of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Halligan authored numerous works, including “Game of My Life: New York Rangers,” “New York Rangers: Seventy-Five Years,” and most recently “100 Ranger Greats: Superstars, Unsung Heroes and Colorful Characters.”

Halligan is survived by his wife Janet.

The Maven wrote a great tribute to John worth reading here

The folks at Ranger Greats also are passing along condolences so if you are wishing to do so please go here

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With most of the 3 CHL leagues taking the night off for the annual prospects game in Windsor, only 2 Ranger prospects were in action on Wednesday evening.

Roman Horak (2009 5th) and his Chilliwack Bruins were on the road against the Kelowna Rockets. Horak was scoreless and missed on his shootout attempt as his Bruins were able to earn their 2nd straight win 2-1 in the shootout.

Luke Walker (Traverse City) eventually should be credited for his 18th goal instead of his 20th assist as his very shorthanded Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kamloops Blazers 5-2. The Winterhawks were missing their entire first line and top defender (all 4 were playing in the prospects game).

(Halligan courtesy of NHL.com)