The
Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team finished the Guelph Power Play Tournamnets by
claiming the Finalist Award after being edged by the Orleans Blues Sunday night
3 to 2.
The Rangers played a terrific game and gave their all. The coaches were extremely proud of their efforts and never give up attitudes. The tournament was stacked with quality teams and it was another major accomplishment for the team. The Rangers are now Stratford Warrior Champions, Cambridge MD Festival Champions and Guelph Power Play Finalists!
Way to go Rangers!
The team was finishing up their most gruelling time in their schedule. The team played 11 games in 10 days with 3 practices in the middle. Not to make excuses but the team also had an unfortunate injury bug during this time as well.
Aiden Radatus was forced to leave the opening game with a concussion after being ran in a game. Aydan Costello was battling a back injury all series and took a cross check in the semi finals that forced him out of the championship game. To make matters worse the team was refused the use of the AP player Will Halter due to an error in paper work that made him ineligible.
That aside, the team battled hard and never gave up or doubted themselves. Jacob Reid-Brant opened the scoring for the Rangers and his goal was assisted by Daniel Gubbels. Jacob Fisher’s hard work was rewarded for the second goal.
Braxton Mathews was yet again spectacular for the Rangers and was the teams back bone when needed. He stood tall for the team and gave them a chance to win the game. His efforts were much appreciated.
Keenan Hack was asked to move from defense to forward for the first time this season. The move was needed to try and balance the lines and make up for the huge loss of Costello. Connor Coughlin was also asked to move from center to wing at times to try and spark his team. The team was forced at times to use Gubbels at center as well.
Ethan Lafluer and Nicholas Zammit also were pumped around and put the team first at all times. Ryan McConnell and Carter Niall were beasts down low and cycled the puck very well and worked hard all game for the Rangers.
Defense wins championships and the Rangers defense played well enough to win again. Noah Park, Kailum Belanic, Logan Hock, Yianni Peppas and Kodi Blackshaw played hard and were pushed to their limits with Hack forced to play up front. The boys showed character.
The Rangers will have time to rest up and get ready to return to league play next week. The coaches would like to thank all the players and families for the hard work, support and encouragement. It is a special team we have!
Go Rangers!