Dec 29, 2018 | Dave Horne | 423 views
Rangers Undefeated After Day One of Gretzky International
The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team opened Day 1 of the Gretzky Tournament with an impressive 5 to 2 win over the Ancaster Avalanche and then skated to a scoreless tie against the Hamilton Huskies Red.
Against the Avalanche, Keenan Hack returned to defence and waisted no time scoring after being set up by Spencer Bulyaki and Evan Peori. Noah Roden returned to forward and also scored a goal for the Rangers from Connor Coughlin and Jack Masters. Jacob Reid-Brant scored from Connor Pinos and Roden. Roden wasn’t done just yet and set up Coughlin. Noah Park also drew an assist on the Coughlin goal. Coughlin picked up his second goal in the game from Reid-Brant and Kodi Blackshaw.
Roden took home Player of the Game honours.
Hayden Smith picked up the win and played a solid game for the Rangers. Smith was especially sharp in the early stages when the Rangers were down a goal and kept his team in the game.
Against the Huskies, the Rangers found themselves in a goalie duel and Aiden Radatus was up for the task earning his 5th tournament shutout of the season and earning Player of the Game Award.
The Rangers had strong games from guys on the back end like Andrew Bishop, Noah Park and Kailum Belanic. The team played an exceptional game defensively with Aydan Costello and Ethan Lafleur helping out with fantastic penalty killing.
The tie wasn’t what the Rangers had hoped for but does set the team up nicely for Day 2 where they will open the day against the top seeded Brantford 99ers and close up against the other Hamilton team.
With a tad more effort and energy the Rangers will push hard for their 3rd championship of the season.
Go Rangers!