The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team once again shut out the Brantford 99ers with a 3 to 0 win Saturday night.
The win gave the Rangers a 16 to 1 goal differential this season against the 99ers.
The one difference in the game was the Rangers goaltender. Hayden Smith faced the 99ers the first 3 times this season, but the result was common with the shutout.
Aiden Radatus played a fantastic game and made some key saves with the team holding a one goal lead. Radatus’ heroics earned him the Player of the Game helmet.
Connor Coughlin got the Rangers started early in the game with a hard-working goal from Jacob Reid-Brant and Carter Schade. Coughlin played his heart out and as always led the way with his none stop effort.
The Rangers power play took over after that and had 2 goals with the man advantage. Schade banged home a nice pass from Coughlin and Evan Peori before Reid-Brant picked the top shelf from an awesome pass from Peori. Coughlin also drew an assist on that goal.
Kodi Blackshaw made several great passes throughout the game and several defenders on the Rangers stepped up to help preserve the shutout. Keenan Hack and Kailum Belainc wheeled hard and cleared any loose pucks. Connor Pinos battled hard and at times Noah Park looked twice his size battle off 99ers. Andrew Bishop held the Rangers line effectively and on the power-play showed patience and poise on a key penalty kill when the game was close.
Up front the Rangers used their speed and players like Aydan Costello, Jake Masters and Ethan Lafleur were relentless on the attack. Spencer Bulyaki and Noah Roden provided the Rangers sound defensive play and net presence as well.
The Rangers played the game without their name bars displaying their new approach attitude regarding team first thinking, "We not Me." The players embraced the concept and worked hard to earn the win. It is the type of effort the Rangers will need tomorrow against the Hamilton Huskies to keep rolling with the wins.
Go Rangers!