BRIDGEPORT, CT - Nick Fotiu may be one of the most popular Rangers in their history. The former forward endeared himself to the Garden fans, by not only being the first New Yorker to play for the Rangers, but by also having the tradition to toss pucks into the stands before the game. When the whistle sounded, Fotiu was a gritty players, who took the tough shifts and racked the penalty minutes, so it is no wonder that he was beloved by the Ranger faithful. Beside playing in New York, Fotiu also skated for the Hartford, Calgary, Philadelphia and Edmonton and his career numbers are 60-77-137, 1,362 PIM. After his playing career ended, the 52 year-old tried his hand at coaching and has been very successful at it. After developing 18 NHL players for San Jose over four years, Fotiu came back home three years ago and became an assistant coach for the Hartford Wolf*Pack. MOFO Sports caught up with the former Ranger and sat down with him for an interview.

Nick Fotiu: Well, I was just around so many great coaches and players, I learned the game pretty well. I was with San Jose for four year and developed 18 players, who are playing in the National Hockey League. What got me into coaching was that I loved the game.

NF: I was a free agent and San Jose wanted to sign me back, but I wanted to get closer to home, because of my family. I did a good job in development and that this why Glen (Sather) wanted me.

NF: No, I actually live on the Cape, so I am close to home in Hartford.

NF: Herb Brooks.

NF: Probably one of the best coaches who coached the game. I actually coached with Herb in the World Championships with the USA team, so it was a good experience for me. He was probably one of the greatest coaches I have ever been with - him, Bob Johnson and Fred Shero.

NF: That doesn’t matter to me; as long as I am a coach with the players and I am doing the job that I am suppose to do. I had 18 players within four years go to the National Hockey League. I am with this club for three years and helped develop the guys who were called up in the last three years. That’s what I do. I develop players and make them perform better. It’s just like having great racehorses.

NF: I would say Dominic Moore, Joe Balej, Fedor Tyutin, and Maxim Kondratiev. Those four guys right there.

NF: Of course. I was the first New Yorker ever to play for the New York Rangers. I grew up sleeping at Madison Square Garden. There is no bigger Ranger fan than me. There is none. I slept outside Madison Square Garden. I played hockey at three o’clock in the morning at ferry terminals. I practiced with the Rangers as a kid growing up, while playing for the New Hyde Park Arrows. Being the first New Yorker ever to play for the New York Rangers, what bigger fan do you want than that?

NF: When I was in Hartford, I was the most popular Whaler ever and when I was with the Rangers, I was the most popular player. Wherever I go, I think, fans appreciate what I do. So, I can’t tell the difference.

NF: When I stepped on the Madison Square Garden ice for the first time playing for the Rangers. That was my most memorable time.

NF: We have a chance to win every time we step on the ice, so why not.

Photo by Joe McDonald.

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