Jericho and his father, former New York Rangers standout Ted Irvine, donned shoulder pads and jerseys and skated on competing teams in the Rangers’ Superskate 2002 at Madison Square Garden. The charity event raises money to benefit the Rangers Cheering for Children and the Christopher Reeve Paralysis foundations.
“It should be cool,” the Undisputed Champion while lacing up his skates shortly before the puck dropped. “This is the third year I’ve done this and I’ve had a ton of fun in the past. I should have been MVP last year but I was robbed by one of the Barenaked Ladies.”
Despite being surrounded by celebrities such as Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket), Tim Robbins (Shawshank Redemption) and Scott Wolf (Party of Five), Jericho commanded the most attention both on the ice and in the locker room. The loudest cheers of the night came during Y2J’s introduction and when the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla flicked a rebound shot into the net with 31.9 seconds remaining in the first of two periods.
“That was probably the greatest shot ever taken,” the ever-humble Federation Champion said from the bench.
Despite watching his Blue Team succumb 6-5 to the White Team after an intense overtime shootout, Y2J can take pride in acting as the enforcer for his squad.
With 17:19 remaining in the second half, Jericho lined up beside his father in anticipation of a face off. Before the puck hit the ice, however, Irvine viciously attacked Jericho. The champ, used to fending off assaults from Federation Superstars, valiantly fought back before Irvine could go Marty McSorley on his own son.
For his courage and one goal on the evening, Irvine was given the game’s MVP award, much to Jericho’s dismay. “I can’t win,” he complained.
Jericho took solace in the fact that his appearance at Superskate 2002 would go a long way in helping two worthy charities. “It’s an honor to be a part of,” he said. “Being from Canada, coming to Madison Square Garden and being able to play hockey for a great cause is really an honor.”
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