Jan 26, 2020 | Dave Horne | 233 views
Undermanned Rangers Rally
The Kitchener Jr Rangers MD Red team kicked off their 2020 playoffs with a 3 to 2 win over the Burlington Bulldogs White Saturday evening.
With four players out of action (Aiden Radatus, Matt Gallant, Evan Peori and Logan Duke) the Rangers went into the game short in man power. The team called up AP Brett Herniman and he did not disappoint. Herniman, along with Stephen Peppas, were able to earn assists on Caleb Cumming’s opening goal early in the first period.
Quinten Earl continued his hot streak scoring from Toby Pryce and Cumming before Josh McDonald scored the game winner from Jacob Reid-Brant and Peppas late in the game.
Owen Neomytka saw a lot of rubber in the game with the Rangers being outshot 34-27. Neomytka made a great glove save in the second and in the third with the score tied made back to back pad saves to help rally his team for the win.
Defensively, the Rangers played well when it counted with Kodi Blackshaw continuing to be a steady force and Noah Park making good reads on his zone exits. Chad Morris was a calming presence when the Rangers needed a pick up and made several nice rushes as well.
The back checking of Jake Fisher, Connor Coughlin and Denver Heiman was clutch in the third and helped the Rangers finish with the hard earned two points.
Although team intensity was an issue, the Rangers continued to support one another on the bench and showed why this team continually digs deep when the going gets tough. Whether due to the extra ice or over confidence the team was given a reminder they need to be ready and willing to play hard all game now that playoffs are here.
Next the Rangers play their rival Blue on Sunday afternoon and will definitely be ready to compete.
Go Rangers!