History-making Rangers sweep top-seeded Spitfires

The Kitchener Rangers made history.

The 2022-23 edition of the Blueshirts became the first eighth-seed to sweep a top-seed in the history of the Ontario Hockey League.

To make the moment better, they did it in front of 7,513 crazy fans inside the Memorial Auditorium.

Fifth-year-forward Reid Valade scored into an empty net, with 0:59 left in the game.

“I think that’s one of those “take it all in” moments,” said Valade. “I’ve been here five years. That was the coolest game I’ve been a part of at The Aud. It’s the loudest I’ve ever heard it. That was a special moment”

Mitch Martin, and Valade, led the team offensively with a goal and an assist each.

Kitchener held the highest scoring team in the regular season to just seven goals over the four games.

“All year they scored, and scored, and scored, against everyone” said general manager Mike Mckenzie. “I thought, to limit them we’d be happy, but to hold them to that few, I didn’t see that coming.”

Marco Costantini was stellar in goal, stopping 30 shots. He improved his OHL-career playoff record to 20-2-1, with a goals against average of 2.20 and .921 save percentage.

Up next, is the London Knights. The Green Machine swept the Owen Sound Attack in the opening round.

Last year, the Rangers and Knights met in the first round. It ended with the seventh-seed Rangers defeating the Knights in seven games.

“I think to a man, they’re probably a deeper hockey club than they were last year,” said McKenzie. “They’re going to be a tough task for us, for sure.”