The New York Rangers presented the team’s Emile Francis Award to Rye Rangers Directors Sharon and Steve Ketchabaw at Youth Hockey Night at Madison Square Garden February 22.

By Tom McDermott

The New York Rangers presented the team’s Emile Francis Award to Rye Rangers Directors Sharon and Steve Ketchabaw at Youth Hockey Night at Madison Square Garden February 22. The award is given annually in recognition of the sacrifice, dedication, and impact volunteers have on grassroots development of youth and amateur hockey. The Ketchabaws were honored for service to youth hockey during their 22 years with the Rye Rangers.

The New York Rangers have a long history in Rye, having practiced at Playland Casino for many years. The Rye Rangers have built their own history and tradition in Rye since 1973, when the organization was established to promote hockey skills and good sportsmanship. Currently, over 250 youths participate in the program, half of those are under 8.

During their time with the Rye Rangers, the Ketchabaws have been active in charitable work. The program has entered foursomes in the Juvenile Diabetes golf tournaments and participated in the annual food drive to help Carver Center.

The couple has five children. No surprise, they like hockey. Jamie is the starting goalie for Syracuse University; Brian starts in net for Brunswick; Evan and Kayla play in the Rye Rangers program; Tyler played for the Rye Town/Harrison team and is applying to med school.

T.R. “Rocky” Shepard, a board member and GM of the Rangers’ Men’s program which plays 20 games a year against nearby programs, said that the Ketchabaws “are very family-friendly and the program has followed suit.” He added, “Steve is a Canadian and has hockey in his veins. We have benefitted from their many acts of kindness.”

Coaching Director Jay Altmeyer praised the couple, saying “Steve and Sharon do so much behind the scenes. I don’t know where this program would be without their dedication and commitment.”

Tryouts for the 2015-2016 season take place April 11-23 for all teams. For more information, visit ryerangers.com.