Former Rangers star Nick Fotiu reflects on growth of Staten Island hockey

Nick Fotiu is the epitome of tenacity.

Born and raised in Staten Island, Fotiu, with sheer grit and determination, became the first National Hockey League player from the "Forgotten Borough" and first New York City native to skate for the New York Rangers.

A left-handed shooting forward, Fotiu appeared in 13 NHL seasons from 1976-89, including sevenplus with the Rangers during two separate stints. He recorded 60 goals and 77 assists in 646 regular-season games and four assists in 38 Stanley Cup playoff contests.

However, his scoring totals don’t tell the story of how and why he became one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Rangers sweater.