The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team fell apart in the third period that saw 4 goals against in the final 5 minutes to take a loss 5 to 1 against the Waterloo Wolves White.
It was an unfortunate event because the Rangers had player two great periods to start the game. The team was more aggressive and challenged much harder ten the previous game.
Connor Coughlin took the Player of Game and the honour was well deserved. Coughlin never takes a shift off and battles relentlessly for his team, specifically winning loose puck battles tonight he had no business winning. Coughlin is a heart and soul player who is also very respected in the room.
Evan Peori evened the score with a great goal from Kodi Blackshaw and the teams defense played great to start the game. Andrew Bishop played one of his best games and was a physical force for the Rangers. Keenan Hack was another work horse and put in solid minutes for the team. Both Connor Pinos and Noah Park were reliable and cleared the zone well. Kailum Belainc was poised and picked his spots very well when needed.
Up front the Ranger forwards took their assignments to heart to start the game. Speedsters like Carter Schade and Aydan Costello was like pesky flies all over the Wolves. Defensive specialists like Noah Roden support the D nicely. Ethan Lafleur battled through a hand injury and showed off his skill on several shifts. Jacob Ancich was effective yet again as a call up for the Rangers and showed he belonged. Both Jake Masters and Jacob Reid-Brant created some fantastic scoring chances however puck luck was not on their side as tonight they came up short.
Hayden Smith made a spectacular save when the team was down a goal to give his team some life but sadly, as the team collapsed, they left poor Smith out to dry.
The game didn’t feel like the score and even the Wolves coaches said they were fortunate to escape with such a lopsided victory on the scoresheet. The Rangers have kicked in a new game plan and are working on some new systems that have the players excited moving forward.
With some quality practices ahead, the team will have a chance to master the new style and will look at securing a spot in the playdowns.
Go Rangers!