Otters score three in the third to overtake Rangers
Posted Jan 23, 2016 07:19:19 AM.
Last Updated Mar 2, 2016 03:37:23 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Nick Betz scored and added two assists, and Jordan Sambrook scored both the game-tying and game-winning goals as the Erie Otters came from behind to defeat the Kitchener Rangers 5-3 in front of 7,324 fans at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex on Friday night.
Darby Llewellyn led the way offensively for the Rangers with a pair of goals, including one shorthanded. Despite taking multiple positives away from the way they played, it was no doubt a missed opportunity for the Blueshirts to both gain ground on the league-leading Otters, as well as inch closer to the London Knights, who fell to the Peterborough Petes tonight by a score of 4-2.
Rangers head coach Mike Van Ryn liked his team compete level, especially when the two teams were playing at even-strength, but the Otters power play was a definite factor in handing the Rangers a second straight loss on home ice for the first time this season.
“Our PK bounced back after they went 2-for-2 in the first, but it’s tough,” said Van Ryn.”We knew we couldn’t give them many power plays, but I don’t want to say much more about that. ” He added.
One player who did capitalize on a long-awaited opportunity was defenceman Connor Hall. After missing time due to injury over the last two months, the 17-year-old Cambridge native not only played a solid game with a likely career-high in minutes played, but he also scored his first OHL goal, in this his 21st career game over parts of two seasons.
“It was good to get the first one out of the way.” said Hall, post-game.
The Rangers return to action tomorrow night when they travel to Owen Sound to take on the Attack for a 7pm start. They finish the weekend back here at the Aud when they play host to the Flint Firebirds at 2pm.
Tickets for the Rangers next home game, or any other future Rangers home games are available online at kitchenerrangers.com, by calling Centre in the Square, or through The Aud Box Office.
