The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team continued to collect hardware by winning the Finalist Award after a tough 3 to 2 lose to the rival Rangers Red Sunday afternoon.
The Rangers had an amazing tournament that was highlighted by a streak of 4 games without surrendering a goal against. The list of hero’s was sincerely 17 and there were no passengers.
The Rangers started things off in their semi final game with an impressive 4 to 0 win over the tournament home team, the Brantford 99ers.
Hayden Smith recorded his second straight shutout in that game and made a highlight reel glove save on a breakaway.
Kodi Blackshaw was a true quarterback on the power play in the semi game with a goal and 2 assists, all with the man advantage. His first assist was on Carter Schade’s first of two goals in the game and Keenan Hack also earned an assist on that goal. Blackshaw set up Schade for his second goal as well. Jack Masters jumped into the action and helped out by making a beautiful saucer pass back to the point where Blackshaw blasted one home, again with Hack assisting in on the action. Jacob Reid-Brant continued his amazing play with a goal set up by his line mates Connor Coughlin and Spencer Bulyaki.
You couldn’t say enough praise for the play of Andrew Bishop, Noah Park, Connor Pinos and Kailum Belainc. All the players played a huge role in keeping the shutout streak alive.
Aiden Radatus stood tall for the Rangers in the championship game. Radatus made key saves to hold the Rangers in the game and had a calm composure that gave his team confidence and a belief they could win the game.
Blackshaw continued his dominance on the power play scoring a beautiful goal from Reid-Brant and then the pair, Blackshaw and Reid-Brant, teamed up to get the puck to Coughlin to put the Rangers within a goal but sadly time ran out.
The Rangers knew they needed all hand on deck to beat the powerful Red team and they sure did get contributions from all players. Aydan Costello, Ethan Lafleur and Noah Roden were strong in the defensive end winning board battles and gaining puck possession. Evan Peori was another Rangers stand out. Peori is a warrior and his work ethic pumps up his team and is always appreciated.
At the end of the day the Rangers fell just short of their goal but because of their work ethic, courage and never give up attitude they wore their medals with pride and character. A couple traits that will define them far more then any medal.
Rangers you have earned your coaches respect.
Go Rangers!