The Novice Blue Jr. Rangers finished off the first third of the season with an
awesome team effort and tournament championship in Barrie!
This past weekend, the team traveled to Barrie, Ontario to play in the 2018-19 Canadian Tire Classic. We stayed in the renowned Travelodge (although renowned for ‘what’ is best left unsaid). It was a great way for players and parents, alike to spend time together and socialize.
On the ice, the Rangers rolled through the preliminary rounds. To kick off the tournament we faced the Whitby Wildcats, and in game 2 we met a familiar opponent in the Cambridge Hawks Red team. It was also in game 2 where we learned that the coaching staff has been opening doors incorrectly for their entire lives, as the bench took multiple minor infractions.
Refreshed, the boys hit the ice on Saturday morning for game 3 against the Oakville Rangers. With the bench doors under control, Kitchener rolled to a win. The preliminary round was completed with a game against the Forest Hill Force.
On Sunday, the semi-final found us facing off again against our Waterloo Region rival, the Cambridge Hawks. The team recorded a decisive shutout and headed into the final match up with Whitby. Under a deafening roar from the Wildcat fans, our Rangers found themselves trailing for the first time all tournament. As a team, they worked hard to battle back in the second period, for a come from behind 5-3 win over the Whitby Wildcats! Every player chipped in with great performances throughout the six games and showed strength and determination to close out the final in dramatic fashion.
Great job to all the Rangers this weekend, and a huge thank you to the team Social Committee for their efforts to plan some fun and social gatherings over the weekend. Despite a busy weekend filled with hockey, swimming, LaserX games and mini-sticks, the team found time to get started on their ‘Jr. Rangers Give Back' projects for the holiday season. Stay tuned for more details about that!
The first third of our season closed with the Novice Blue Jr. Rangers at the top of the standings for the Tier 2 group, including a win, a tie, and several close battles with some Tier 1 teams. Building off this solid start to the season, we're looking forward to continuing to develop our hockey skills, have fun, work hard as a team heading into the New Year!
Great job to the entire Rangers team, parents and players!
Photos contributed by parents, AnnMarie, Christine & Stephanie