The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team got a valuable point as they once again tied the rival Red team 1 to 1 Friday night.
The point put the Rangers in a 3-way tie for second place with the two Waterloo teams. The Rangers hold their own destiny with a game against each Waterloo team and one more game against Brantford.
Aiden Radatus put in a heroic third period and shut the door for the Rangers stopping all 17 third period shots he faced as he went on to win the Player of the Game Award. Radatus was tuned in all game but made spectacular saves in the third when Red pressed hard.
On the power play Evan Peori put the Rangers on the board from Carter Schade and Aydan Costello. This new look line in general was extremely effective and showed onlookers why the coaches have high confidence in the trio. Aydan Costello adds a ton of speed and energy to the trio while Schade and Peori are workhorses with noses for the corner and net.
The Rangers used a balance attack with Jake Master, Connor Coughlin and Jacob Reid-Brant really pressing the Red team in their end. Reid-Brant in particular was dangerous all night and both Coughlin and Master’s are heart and soul players.
Spencer Bulyaki centered Ethan Lafluer and Noah Roden and the three players were winning battles and putting pucks towards the net all game.
As always, the team put in impeccable defense. It has been a staple for the team and a huge reason for their success. Keenan Hack, Noah Park and Kailum Belainc put some serious speed into the game and Kodi Blackshaw, Andrew Bishop and Connor Pinos give the team a great mix of intelligence and strength.
Waterloo Black is up next for the Rangers and the team will need to repeat todays effort if they want to continue to be successful and claim that second seed all to themselves.
Go Rangers!