The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team
snuck out a victory over the Cambridge Hawks 4 to 3 in Cambridge Friday night.
Carter Niall and Daniel Gubbels were the goal scores for the Rangers. Niall added 2 assists and Gubbels also had an assist, as did Ethan Lafleur. The line moved the puck well and were feisty as they generated scoring chances and attacked the Hawks net all game.
Ryan McConnell played an exceptional game for the Rangers. McConnell was winning battles, heading to the net and playing an unselfish game in which he passed the puck well and was responsible with his ice time. McConnell connected with both Connor Coughlin and Jacob Reid-Brant and the line showed promise since being put together.
Another line showing promise was the trio of Nicholas Zammit, Aydan Costello and Jacob Fisher. Their speed and fore-checking was causing the Hawks fits in their end. Although the line wasn’t rewarded they created a lot of chances.
With Logan Hock out with an injury, Colin Starr stepped up for the Rangers. Starr made some smart pinches and was dependable for the Rangers all game. Starr and his partner, Keenan Hack, were an impressive plus 2 each. Hack was a force in the game and used his speed very well.
The defense was faced with a lot of pressure from the Hawks and Noah Park, Kodi Blackshaw, Yianni Peppas and Kailum Belanic had to make some quick decisions under pressure. All the defenders were good at looking to head man the puck.
When the defense had a slip up Braxton Mathews was there standing tall in net. Mathews was sharp in the game and challenged frequently with 22 shots against him.
The Rangers have no games Saturday but will be doing a community event, Rangers Give Back, in which the team will shop for holiday gifts for an under privileged family and face Burlington on Sunday.
Go Rangers!