Wanting respect, Kitchener keeps winning streak going
Posted Nov 7, 2015 06:58:23 AM.
Last Updated Nov 7, 2015 08:10:29 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Kitchener Rangers still have not lost in regulation.
The season started in September. It’s November 7th.
The Rangers dropped the Ottawa 67’s last night on the road 3-1. It’s the team’s seventh win on the road this season – already two wins shy of last year’s total.
Head Coach Mike Van Ryn seems happy the team hasn’t had to play from behind much this year.
“We’ve managed to score first too, which I’m proud of my guys for,” says Van Ryn. “I know people are probably tired of me talking about practice, but I honestly think that’s where things start for us. I think we’ve been able to start better this year because we start our practices better and it’s just that mentality.”
They’ve scored first in 15 of their 16 games this season. The team has points in all 16 and sit atop the OHL.
“We finally earned our respect,” says Mike Davies, who notched his first goal of the season. “I think we’ve been trying to work for that for a while now. We’re stringing together a couple wins here, and we couldn’t be happier with everyone chipping in. Everyone’s been in a key role in every win. It’s not just one line going, I think all the lines have been playing great.”
Luke Opilka stopped 21 shots, en route to being named first star. It’s the eleventh game this season the Rangers have held their opponents to under three goals through sixty minutes.
Ryan MacInnis scored for the Rangers, marking his 19th point in his last 10 games. His linemate, Jeremy Bracco, got an assist on the goal. He’s earned a point in every game he’s worn the East Ave Blue (and White).
Adam Mascherin made his return to the line-up and earned an assist. Also making his return to the line-up, Nick McHugh, who played last season for the Minor Midget “AAA” Ottawa Jr. 67’s, got an assist.
The Rangers are in Kingston tonight to face the East’s top club, the Frontenacs.
Broadcast time on 570 News is at 6:30 p.m. with Mike Farwell and Mike Torchia.
The Rangers are back at home on Tuesday night when they host the Sarnia Sting. They’ll wear their annual Remembrance Day commemorative jersey.
Fans have a chance to bid on the jerseys during a game day silent auction. Proceeds go towards the 78th Fraser Highlanders Fort Conestoga Garrison and the Kitchener-Waterloo Poppy Fund.
