Dominic Moore: New York Rangers' 4th-Liner Leading With a Heavy Heart

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

After being drafted by New York Rangers 95th overall in the 2000 NHL Draft, Dominic Moore finally found his way back to Manhattan after seven years away from the team. More importantly, Moore has found his way back to hockey after taking a year off from playing in the NHL.

Moore lost his wife, Katie, to a rare form of liver cancer in January of 2013. The Rangers’ center, who was with San Jose Sharks at the time she was diagnosed in the spring of 2012 left San Jose’s team to be with his wife despite the Sharks battling in the postseason. The character Moore showed by sticking by his wife’s side was loud and clear. His commitment to his wife knew no bounds, so it was no surprise that Moore chose to take off the lockout shortened 2012-13 season.

When Moore decided to return to hockey he said he needed to be somewhere he felt comfortable. He wanted to be somewhere he had enjoyed his time and was familiar within the organization. He chose New York. The team that drafted him all those years ago was still the place Moore felt safe.

Now a leader on the team, Moore is a strong voice and a respected player in the locker room as well as on the ice. Moore has centered a fourth line that has done a good job of getting the puck deep in the offensive zone and creating a little havoc by hitting everything in sight. Alongside Moore, Derek Dorsett has been a pest to other teams. The fourth line is always an underrated part of a hockey team, and it is fitting that an underrated player like Moore has taken responsibility as the leader of the group.

Even though he missed a full season, Moore hasn’t missed a beat in his return. On the ice and especially off it, Moore has shown that he can lead people with his strength and his heart, no matter how heavy it may be.

Martin Burns covers New York Rangers hockey for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter for more thoughts and news on the Blueshirts as well as the rest of the NHL!