The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team were successful in their bid to be a Tier 1 team after finishing 3rd in the first part of the season after a 4 to 1 win over the Brantford 99ers.
KMHA works with a tiered system allowing the rival Red team to have first selection of the players in tryouts. It is a testament to the talent pool of the 05-age group that not only as the “second tier” team, MD Blue, they were able to tier up to be among the best teams in the pool and a legitimate threat to take Alliance.
Spencer Bulyaki has continued his hot streak and added another two goals to his total. Bulyaki’s first goal was set up by Ethan Lafleur and his second, on the powerplay, was an example of not giving up on loose pucks or missed passes. Andrew Bishop was able to pick up the assist on the powerplay marker. Jacob Reid-Brant had a short-handed goal scoring with only a second remaining in the Rangers penalty and the goal was unassisted. Connor Coughlin put the finishing touches on a nifty Ryan McConnell pass. McConnell was filling in for the ill Carter Schade and looked terrific all game.
The Rangers found themselves short handed on defense when Kodi Blackshaw had to leave due to injury and Bishop was ejected on a questionable call. However, the play of Keenan Hack, Connor Pinnos, Noah Park and Kailum Belainc allowed the Rangers to play solid only rolling the 4 defenders. When a defender served a penalty, the versatile Noah Roden stepped in to help out.
Hayden Smith was just short of a 3rd consecutive shutout against the 99ers. Despite allowing the single goal Smith played an air tight game and frustrated the 99ers.
The Rangers were fantastic shorthanded and used the speed of Aydan Costello, Even Peori and Jack Masters very well.
The next chapter for the Rangers will see the play tighten up significantly and there will be no easy games. The coaches are prepared and ready to push the boys and the players appear focused and ready to put in the effort needed to be successful.
Go Rangers!