Feb 15, 2020 | Dave Horne | 348 views
Rangers Take Down Rivals on Valentines Day
The Kitchener Jr. Rangers MD Red team skated to 3-0 win over their rival MD Blue Friday night. In a game that was highly anticipated, both teams showed jump with their tenacious play. However in the end Red stuck to their guns and continued to do what they have proven to do all year, that being taking 2 points from their opposition.
Owen Neomytka was especially strong in net for the Rangers in this one, making 18 saves for his 9th shutout of the season. Although the shot quantity was not high, Neomytka received some quality shots and fought through traffic to secure the win for his team. Late in the third on the penalty kill, Neo made a great toe save to preserve not only the lead but his teams composure, something he does with ease showing how much of a leader he is for Red
Evan Peori opened the scoring for the Rangers with a rocket top corner off a clean zone entry. The goal was assisted by Jacob Reid-Brant and Noah Park. The Rangers then cashed in on the power play after Logan Duke picked up a loose puck and banked it in off the Blue goaltender. Matt Gallant and Denver Heiman picked up assists on the insurance marker. Finally, Connor Coughlin put the final nail in the coffin with the empty netter with just under two minutes to go. Gallant and Fisher tallied the assists on the Coughlin goal.
Three forwards really stood out for the Rangers in this one on the defensive side of the puck. Caleb Cumming used his foot speed to create many chances tonight and was an absolute beast on the back check. His smarts on 50/50 pucks confused the opposition and helped create time and space for his linemates. Quinten Earle was a thorn in the Blue teams side with his quick feet and ability to read the attack. Earle picked off numerous pucks in the neutral zone and off zone entries, quickly transitioning up ice to his wingers. Finally, Stephen Peppas was fantastic on the breakout and as always made sure to support the puck until the team transitioned to offence. Peppas showed great leadership early in the game on the penalty kill and was leaned on often to get the Rangers through some unsteady waters. On top of all these accomplishments the forward core as a whole stepped up in this one, standing in front of point shots and sacrificing their bodies to "protect the house." All in all, it is this selflessness that does not go unnoticed by the coaching staff and is applauded.
Defensively, the Rangers were happy to welcome back Chad Morris. Morris along with Josh McDonald continued their steady two way play, stepping up in the rush all the while not allowing Blue to attack with ease. Kodi Blackshaw and Toby Pryce were fantastic at regrouping the puck and showed great patience on their zone exits. Overall, all six defenders made great heads up plays and were not afraid to join in on the rush.
The Rangers will now look to finish off their weekend Saturday afternoon against the visiting Burlington Bulldogs. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:45pm. If the Rangers continue to stick to their principals and put in the work the coaching staff are confident good results will follow.
Go Rangers!