While I’m sure many of us cheered when Gomez was traded to Montreal (I know I did), I wasn’t in such a cheering mood when I heard Paul Mara was heading up north to play next season too.
Mara was a steady defenseman for the Rangers. He threw the body, cleared the crease, took shots on the power play. He also stood up for his teammates.
But the real reason Rangers fans are sad to see him go? His epic beard. He had a playoff beard in October.
O.K., it’s more than just the beard. This was the guy who sang Christmas carols while he was playing. He wanted hugs from his teammates when they scored on the power play. And there were the crazy nicknames.
If you need to understand the appreciation of Paul Mara, just watch this video:
Remember when Mara called out Malkin for his slew foot? Oh you don’t? Well, then I’ve got another video for you:
Mara leaves us with some great memories, but he also leaves a mystery. Raymond James? Carpool? What does it all mean?!?! I guess we’re left like the kid in the Tootsie Roll Pop commercial. The world may never know.
You can also check out the forum for more Mara fun.
The beard will be sorely missed :(