Mar 10, 2025 | Daryll Smith | 95 views
Playoff's - Round 2 vs. Cambridge
The Kitchener Lady Rangers U18 “A’s” faced off in round two of the playoffs against the Cambridge Roadrunners.
Opening game one in Cambridge, the Lady’s had a good start in the first out shooting and out chancing the Roadrunners. The Lady’s capitalized on a late first period power play taking a 1 – 0 lead after the first. A momentary lapse of D-Zone coverage (how was she left alone?) had the Roadrunners tying it up early in the second. An even third with some strong play on both sides had game one ending in a tie.
Game #2 at home started strong in the first with several good opportunities but no “capitalization”. The Lady’s unfortunately continued hurting themselves with some undisciplined play early in the second resulting in a Cambridge GA on only their fourth shot of the game. Grit and determination from the smallest player with the biggest work ethic led to the tying goal on a “get own rebound on shot” goal with just over two minutes left in the second. The Lady’s continued driving the bus in the third. With just over five minutes remaining a great breakout rush “shot on goal” put the Lady’s up by one. Continued smart play in the remaining four minutes gave the Lady’s the “W” and a return trip to Cambridge for a one game winner take all.
Admittedly, game #3 did not get off to the finest start of the season. Many trips to the box, some scattered play and little flow had the Lady’s down by one at the break. The value of game #2’s win cannot be understated. Although ending the game with a strong third period, the Lady’s would lose in regulation forcing a ten-minute 4 v. 4 overtime. The momentum continued, the chances were several but ten minutes later it would come down to a final five player shootout, for the fourth and final point necessary to complete round #2. Cambridge shot 1 – no; Kitchener shot 1 – yes; Cambridge shot 2 – yes; Kitchener shot 2 – no; Cambridge shot 3 – no; Kitchener shot 3 – yes…..the excitement of a shootout brings a wide range of emotions from all. From player, parent and coach’s nerves, to player focus, to the joy of victory and to the agony of defeat, all captured at one time, in every shootout moment. Stopping the remaining two Cambridge shooters, the Lady’s would advance to round #3.
As was the case in round one, round two could have gone either way. The Roadrunners went on a 7 and 1 tear to end the regular season and continued their stellar play through playdowns (3 and 1) and playoffs. This is a great example of what it looks like for a team to “peak” developmentally at the right time.
The schedule was tough. We understand that you never play seven games in nine nights during the regular season but that’s what the post season is about. You persevered, supported each other and got the job done when it was necessary. As we said last round, continued hard work and staying out of the box will be key in your round #3 playoff success. On behalf of the Kitchener Lady Rangers players and staff, we would like to thank Cambridge for a great 2024 / 2025 regular season and wish all the players and staff good luck going forth at Provincials. We will be cheering for you!