The
Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team came alive and beat the Burlington Bulldogs White
team 6 to 1 Sunday night.
The coaches challenged the players to up their intensity, passing game and passion from the past few games and the players responded by finally playing their game.
The trio of Aydan Costello, Carter Niall and Jacob Reid-Brant were on fire! Niall had two goals and two assists. Both Niall’s goals were assisted by Reid-Brant with Kailum Belanic getting a helper as well on the second. Niall returned the favour and had the assist on Reid-Brant’s goal and also drew and assist on Costello’s goal.
Yianni Peppas opened the scoring for the Rangers on the power play after driving to the net on a set play. Daniel Gubbels edged clser to 40 goals with his 39th from Peppas.
Logan Hock played right wing for the Rangers and did terrific for the team. Hock was a beast in front of the Bulldogs net and his back checking and passing was superb. He complimented the speed of Jacob Fisher and helped Fisher in the defensive and offensive zone by moving the puck and supporting the play.
Ryan McConnell, Connor Coughlin and Nicholas Zammit were another trio that gave the Rangers solid minutes on the ice. The line was effective cycling the puck and McConnell was a stand out as always on the penalty kill.
The Rangers decided to run with only five defenders and Kodi Blackshaw, Keenan Hack and Noah Park saw a lot of action and stepped up to help the Rangers dominate play in their own end.
Aiden Radatus returned to action after his illness and showed no ill effects. Radatus was sharp and focused and made saves when called upon for the Rangers.
The win allowed the Rangers to sweep their second playoff match up taking all three playoff games against the Waterloo Wolves and now the Bulldogs. Next up the Rangers will try to take 5 of 6 points out of the Hawks the same as they did against the Blue team and finish undefeated if they sweep the 99ers after the Hawks.
However, the Rangers are not looking too far ahead and will need to play just as strong Tuesday against the Hawks.
Go Rangers!