The
Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team remained undefeated after holding off the
Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue and settling for a 2 to 2 tie Saturday afternoon.
The Blue team came out hard and played a great game against the Red team. Red has clinched first in the playoffs and have struggled to match team’s intensity level as 2nd to 5th remains undecided and teams are fighting for their seasons.
Aiden Radatus started the game for the Rangers but was forced to leave the game under 3 minutes in due to illness. Braxton Mathews came in and played great for the Rangers and made some key saves in the third period when the Blue team pressed. With the Rangers down 2 men the Blue team finally solved him.
Daniel Gubbels scored his 38th goal of the season when he blew into the zone and fired a nice high shot past the goalie. His goal was set up by Owen Stewart, who was called up for the injured Ethan Lafleur, and Kailum Belanic. Kodi Blackshaw fired a rocket from the point for the Rangers second goal. His goal was set up by Yianni Peppas and Nicholas Zammit.
The Ranger forwards battled hard and Carter Niall was strong along the boards, as was Jacob Fisher. Jacob Reid-Brant continued to play a committed two-way game and back checked fantastically. Aydan Costello was buzzing all game and looked dangerous. Ryan McConnell and Connor Coughlin continued to gel and show superior hockey smarts on the ice.
On defense, Noah Park was a true warrior and won his battles. Logan Hock stepped up as the game went on and really set the pace for the team. Keenan Hack was flying as always and has been a leader on the ice.
Next the Rangers will face off against the Bulldogs who will be desperate for a win. The Rangers will need to dig deep and come out strong, so they don’t have to battle back again. It’s a difficult spot the team finds themselves in and playing at the same desire level will be a challenge, but the team has been resilient and been hard working and able to find ways to continue to rack up points and win games.
The coaches remain fully confident and look forward to the team coming out to battle hard and strive to finish these playoffs without a loss!
Go Rangers!