Earlier this week, Alex Garrett Podcasting remembered New York Rangers legend Rod Gilbert ! Rod was not only a member of the Goal-A-Game line, he was an integral part of the community off the ice as well.
You might have read the article about the Islanders connection to my alma mater, Henry Viscardi High School, well Rod has roots at the Viscardi Center as well! He always took time out to support the kids at the Sports-night Gala year in and year out. In May of 2021, this was no different as he took part in a ZOOM breakout session before the virtual Sports Night event took place for the Viscardi Center! That would be the last time I would get to thank him for everything.
One of the last times I got to see him, it was at a Rangers 5k in Flushing Meadows Park. I remember this excited feeling of seeing him after a long period of time, and LEAPING into his arms as if he was family. Quite frankly, Rod made you feel like family! As you’ll find out in research , Rod also had to ADAPT to spinal fusion and multiple health crises that made him a stronger hockey player!
The below picture is where this story gets even more intriguing!
Where this gets interesting even more is the bib number (343) I wore that race was actually the number of FDNY firefighters lost on 9/11/01 that tragic day alone! My friend, Steve, pointed this out to me and I’m forever changed by the information.
To inadvertently represent the men and women who lost their lives defending our city, trying to save many lives, it’s God’s plan for sure!
For this 20th commemoration, I will proudly honor the firefighters who lost their lives that day as well as their loved ones, because now that I have this knowledge, I would love to support New York’s Bravest through this period even more!
God Rest Rod Gilbert’s soul and God Bless America!
You can watch my dedication HERE: https://youtu.be/zsfDKf1K0Ec
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