Not only did training camps start today, but a bunch of Ranger players are celebrating birthdays. Earlier we focused on Marc Staal. Now, it’s time to discuss the other birthday boy of the day – Mike Rupp!

Rupp is basically known for his physical play. In 60 regular season games last season he had 13 fights. Since I didn’t want to show all of them, here he is against Cam Janssen during the first meeting between these two teams last season:

Yes there were more fights between the two. I picked that one because I enjoyed seeing Janssen get his butt kicked.

In regards to other memorable moments as a Ranger, how about this one against the Flyers last year?

I have to agree. Jody Shelley is irrelevant to the outcome of a hockey game. Great guy but if he plays a role in outcome, it probably wasn’t a good game.

Every once in a while, Rupp gets on the scoresheet for something other than fighting. For instance, in the biggest game of the year last season, with millions of people watching, he decided to score two goals. The goals were great. His response after scoring the first was even better:

I love the CBC announcers description of the Flyers on that play. I do agree that it was disrespectful. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t hilarious. It did earn him this, though:

Happy 33rd birthday Rupp! Hope Torts gives a break on those sprints this afternoon