At a Glance
- The Rangers’ fifth Alumni Game will take place on January 26, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.
- Legends Adam Graves, Derek Stepan, Mike Richter, Dan Girardi, Ryan Callahan and Henrik Lundqvist will reunite for the franchise’s centennial season.
- All proceeds, over $350,000 raised in four years, will benefit the Northwell Health Foundation and Garden of Dreams Foundation.
- Why it matters: It marks the first all-Rangers alumni matchup and celebrates a century of hockey while supporting pediatric behavioral health.
The New York Rangers are turning back the clock for a special exhibition that honors 100 years of hockey. The fifth annual Alumni Game, scheduled for January 26, 2026, will feature a lineup of former stars playing together for the first time ever. The event will raise money for two charitable foundations and serve as a centerpiece of the franchise’s centennial season.
The Centennial Celebration
The Rangers are celebrating their centennial by turning the spotlight on their past. The Alumni Game will be played entirely by former Rangers, a departure from previous matchups that pit the team against the New York Islanders. This change underscores the team’s commitment to honoring its own history.
- Date & Venue: January 26, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.
- Participants: Adam Graves, Derek Stepan, Mike Richter, Dan Girardi, Ryan Callahan, Henrik Lundqvist, and others.
- Purpose: To celebrate 100 years of Rangers hockey and to support charitable causes.
Sources told News Of Los Angeles that the game will be a “lighthearted, family-oriented affair,” with Stepan noting that it will be “a tad bit slower than the current NHL.”
Legends Reunite
Adam Graves
Graves, a two-time Stanley Cup champion who played 16 seasons with the Rangers, expressed excitement about reuniting with former teammates:
> “It’s a special feeling. It’s once in a hundred years, the centennial season. For all of us, it’s a real privilege and an honor to be back on the ice and to celebrate that journey we skated along together.”
He added that the game is “a reminder of how lucky we were” and that everyone is looking forward to it.
Derek Stepan
Stepan, who led the Rangers to a Stanley Cup run in 2014, shared his enthusiasm for the event:
> “I think one of the best parts about this year is that we have so many guys coming back and you get to play with all sorts of eras. It’s a lot of fun to be part of it.”
He also praised the fan base, saying the turnout in previous games “was really cool and really special.”
> “It’s kind of energizing in a way, you know, we all have something going on in our life, but it seems like for just that moment, it kind of slows down.”
Both players highlighted the camaraderie that makes the game unique, with Graves recalling how playing with former teammates felt like being “back on the ice and celebrating that journey.”
Game Details
The game will feature a mix of former stars and veterans who defined different eras of Rangers hockey. Highlights include:
- Goalies: Mike Richter and Henrik Lundqvist.
- Defensemen: Dan Girardi.
- Forwards: Ryan Callahan.
- Veterans: Adam Graves and Derek Stepan.
The event will be played at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers’ home arena, and marks the first time the Alumni Game has been held there. The 2025 game was also played at MSG, but 2026 will be the first all-Rangers alumni matchup.
Charity Impact
All proceeds from the game will benefit two foundations:
| Foundation | Focus | Amount Raised (4 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Northwell Health Foundation | Pediatric behavioral health services | $350,000 |
| Garden of Dreams Foundation | Youth life-changing opportunities | $350,000 |
The $350,000 figure represents the cumulative amount raised over the past four years of Alumni Games. The money supports expanding behavioral health services for children and provides life-changing opportunities for young people through the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
Fans and Atmosphere
The Rangers’ fan base has been a driving force behind the event’s success. Stepan noted the enthusiasm of fans in previous games:
> “The really cool part that I was blown away with last year is the Rangers fan base showing up and how many people were in the building.”
Graves echoed the sentiment, recalling the loudest moments at the Garden during the 1994 Stanley Cup run:
> “Watching John Amirante sing the National Anthem before Game Seven against Vancouver, he was standing 30 feet from me and I couldn’t hear him sing. It was the loudest I had ever heard the Garden.”
Both legends emphasized that the Garden’s atmosphere is “second to none,” creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
Key Takeaways
- The Rangers’ Alumni Game on January 26, 2026 marks the first all-Rangers alumni matchup and celebrates the franchise’s centennial.
- Legends Adam Graves and Derek Stepan, among others, will reunite on the ice at Madison Square Garden.
- Proceeds will benefit the Northwell Health Foundation and Garden of Dreams Foundation, with $350,000 raised in four years.
- Fans, players, and the community look forward to a lighthearted, family-oriented event that honors the past and supports future generations.
The Rangers’ centennial season promises to be a historic celebration, blending nostalgia with philanthropy and showcasing the enduring legacy of one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.
