The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Blue team saw a 0-0 tie turn into a 1-0 loss to the Waterloo Wolves Black Saturday night. The game was a seesaw affair with both teams giving a hard and tenacious effort from start to finish. Ultimately the Wolves for the back of the net off a funny bounce with just shy of two minutes left in the third period.
The Rangers played the game short on defense with regulars Keenan Hack and Kodi Blackshaw watching from the sidelines. Noah Park, Andrew Bishop, Kailum Belanic and Connor Pinos played excellent while AP Eric MacPherson stepped up and put on a show earning the Player of the Game Award.
Hayden Smith played a terrific game for the Rangers and made several key saves to keep his team in the game. In the third period Smith made a fast kick save that appeared to be a sure goal and was moving great all game.
Jacob Reid-Brant, Connor Coughlin and Jake Masters had a few opportunities but just came up shy. The speed of Aydan Costello, Carter Schade and Evan Peori also caused the Wolves fits. Meanwhile, the Ethan Lafleur, Spencer Bulyaki and Noah Roden line clicked and frustrated the Wolves.
The loss makes things a tad harder on the Rangers with games left in Waterloo against White and at home against Brantford. The team will need to dig deep and come up with a pair of wins if they want home ice come playdowns.
Go Rangers!