This Memorial Day should ever be known in Ranger history as Black Monday, the day we lost Don Maloney.

Don Maloney is leaving the Rangers for a better position as General Manager with the Phoenix Coyotes. They are an organization in need of help and they are fortunate to have signed someone with the work ethic and the experience of Don Maloney. The Rangers loss is the Coyotes gain.

Since the day I first set eyes on Don Maloney, Dave’s kid brother, I was impressed with his hard work and his skill. To watch a 20 year old Don Maloney grow up a Ranger, eventually becoming the Assistant General Manager of the team has been a pleasure and a privilege.

Donny has been a role model for all the young men he has chosen to bring into the Ranger organization. His career as a hockey player speaks for itself. He worked hard. He maximized his assests. He was a good teammate and colleague. He’ll be the same as a General Manager.

I hope losing Donny doesn’t negatively impact the team. I hope the committment to rebuild isn’t lost in his wake. I hope someday Don will come home to us again.

I had the pleasure to meet and speak to Don on a few occasions. He was soft spoken, contemplative and engaging. Most of all, Don Maloney is a gentleman.

All the Success in the World to you, Don and my eternal thanks.