The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team won 2 to 0 against the Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team Sunday to clinch home nice advantage against the Cambridge Hawks in round one of the Play Downs.
The win evened up the series against the Blue team standing at a win each and tie. All the games have been hard fought competitive hockey and some great sportsmanship.
Congratulations to the Blue team for finishing in top spot and best of luck to you in your series against the Wolves.
Carter Niall opened the scoring in the second period of the game for the Red team. Niall made a nice move in front and took advantage of a great pass from Nicholas Zammit. Braydon Houlihan had the insurance marker in the third period on the only power play of the game for either teams. Houlihan took a pass from Carter Bowman and swung around on the wrap around for the goal.
Blue came on hard in the third period and pulled the goalie for the extra attacker. The Rangers defense, Rashaun Williamson, Yianni Peppas, Noah Park, Logan Hock, Keenan Hack and Joshua McDonald, were great all game and held the Blue team outside for periods of time in the game. When Blue did create chances Aiden Radatus was up for the task. Radatus played a fantastic game and made several key stops when needed. Radatus was a calming presence for the Rangers while earning his 20th win and 9th shutout on the season.
Justin Hay and Jacob Fisher were forced to play hard minutes with the Connor Coughlin injury and played their hearts out for the team. Both were superb. Brett Herniman and Denver Heiman used their size and strength to win battles along the boards and were dangerous for the Rangers.
The boys are prepared and ready to play the game plan regardless of the scoreboard and believe they will be successful because they have put in all the time, all the effort and all the hard work. It will pay off, boys!
Go Rangers!