Rangers sign eight-year-old Kayleigh Petersen to one-day contract

The New York Rangers signed the first female in the team’s 90-year history and it was as memorable a signing as Rangers fans could hope for.

Eight-year-old Kayleigh Petersen was signed by the Blueshirts to a one-day contract on Thursday as part of Garden of Dreams Night.

“She has tremendous skills and we felt her strength and character are through the roof,” said Adam Graves of the Rangers Hockey Operations Department. “We are proud and honored to have her as a part of the Rangers organization.”

Petersen, who plays House Mite League, underwent a liver transplant in 2009. She was diagnosed with Tyrosinemia Type 1, a rare genetic disorder which can lead to severe liver disease.

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Enter the Make-A-Wish Foundation which, along with the Rangers, provided Kayleigh with the opportunity to lead the Rangers out on the ice pre-game, snap a few shots with consummate good guy Henrik Lundqvist and ultimately live out one of her lifelong dreams.

To finish #NYR @gardenofdreams night Kayleigh and her brother RJ meet @HLundqvist30! #GDFWEEK pic.twitter.com/e8elxbZ91x
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 4, 2015

In an 82-game grind, it’s good to see teams like the Rangers taking a step back and remembering what the game of hockey is all about and how much joy it can bring to young fans.