2015 Preston International Tournament Champs!The Kitchener Jr Rangers Minor Atom AAA team made it back-to-back tournament wins by capturing the prestigious 57th Annual Preston International Hockey Tournament from January 9th-11th. Kitchener jumped out to a strong 2-0 lead in their first game against the Mississauga Rebels before a short lapse allowed the talented Rebels to tie the game 2-2 which is how the game finished. Convincing wins over the Hamilton Jr Bulldogs and the Cambridge Hawks propelled Kitchener into the semi-finals and a rematch against Mississauga.
A total team effort, led by strong goaltending, determined defensive work and a ferocious fore-check resulted in a well-earned 4-1 win over the Rebels and a trip to the tournament finals. In the finals Kitchener met the highly ranked Toronto Red Wings, who had breezed their way into the finals. Focused on taking away time and space the Rangers were able to frustrate the skilled Red Wings and spend long stretches of the game in the offensive zone. After a number of close chances, Kitchener squeezed one past the Red Wings goalie mid-way through the 2nd period to take a 1-0 lead. Kitchener continued to pressure Toronto and when the Red Wings were able to get loose they were met by a brick wall between the pipes for Kitchener. A full house at the Preston Auditorium was treated to a well played game and a thrilling 1-0 Kitchener win!
The players should be congratulated on an excellent team effort, with contributions from everyone, which led to this exciting tournament victory!