Mar 05, 2017 | Mike Radatus | 430 views
Rangers Clinch Play Downs
The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team clinched a top three spot, with two playoff games remaining, for the play downs with a 6 to 4 win over the Burlington Bulldogs Red.
With the win the Rangers only need to win one more of the final two games to clinch second place in the playoffs and home ice in the first round of play downs. The Rangers have recently rediscovered their scoring touch from the start of the season and have been playing their best hockey of the season at the right time.
Keenan Hack opened the scoring in the game and had his second goal in as many games. Connor Coughlin broke a tie with his goal assisted by Carter Niall. Then both Hack and Niall had assists on Nicholas Zammit's goal. Braydon Houlihan also had his second goal in as many nights with the Rangers fourth goal and Carter Bowman and Logan Hock drew assists on the play. Brett Herniman picked up the puck from Rashaun Williamson and Coughlin and went top shelf with a beauty back hander in close before Bowman finished things off for the night with the Rangers sixth goal after banging home a Denver Heiman crossbar shot.
Jacob Fisher and Justin Hay worked hard as always and were role models for the Rangers two way play. The two centers were brilliant all night. The Rangers defense frustrated the Bulldogs with Josh McDonald, Yianni Peppas and Noah Park cleaning up the front of the net and making smart outlet passes all game.
Hayden Smith got the call in nets when Aiden Radatus fell ill before the game and played very well for the Rangers in his unexpected start.
Up next the Rangers play the Waterloo Wolves Black and Rangers Blue to close out the playoffs. The Rangers will need to continue building on their good habits and strong effort to reach their goals and end on a high note. The coaches have full faith in the players and are excited to see how far the boys can go!
Go Rangers!