The
Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team took game 1 of the play downs series 7 to 2
against the Waterloo Wolves Black team.
The Rangers were facing some adversity with three key players, Carter Niall, Jacob Fisher and Ethan Lafleur, out of the lineup and responded tremendously. Players were asked to play in new positions and several players were forced to double shift. The coaches were proud of the teams play.
Yianni Peppas was one of those players who were asked to change positions. Peppas moved up from defense to forward and lead the team with two goals in the game and gave the team a difficult cycle down low to contain. His line mate, Logan Hock, was equally as impressive and moved up to forward He was a beast in the game. Hock assisted on one of the Peppas goals, along with Connor Coughlin and Daniel Gubbels had the assist on Peppas second goal. Gubbels also scored with a rocket of a shot over the goals shoulder to open the scoring.
Ryan McConnell parked out front and showed beautiful hands with a one timer from Nicholas Zammit and Ayden Costello. Both Costello and Zammit had goals as well. Costello’s goal was assisted by Jacob Reid-Brant and Gubbels and Zammits goal was assisted by Gubbels and Kailum Belanic.
The Rangers defense was stellar against the fast and talented Wolves. The core was forced to double shift all game and Kodi Blackshaw, Noah Park, Keenan Hack and Belanic rose to the challenge. They all played inspired and dedicated hockey for the Rangers and their coaches were impressed again.
Braxton Mathews was steady and dependable as always. Mathews was sharp with his glove and controlled his rebounds well not giving the Wolves many quality chances with his smart control.
The Rangers passed the puck well and played their team game perfectly which was a treat for all those who saw the game. If the team mirrors their play tomorrow it will most certainly help them achieve their goal of reaching the Alliance.
Go Rangers!