Former OHL coach, Kitchener native Paul Fixter joining Rangers broadcasts this season

Hockey fans rejoice.

A brand new season of Kitchener Rangers hockey is just around the corner.

And this year, there’s a little bit more to be excited about.

There’s a new voice for Rangers broadcasts this season as a colour commentator, one that’s all too familiar with the deep hockey roots that run through the city of Kitchener.

As announced on The Mike Farwell Show on CityNews 570 on Aug. 31, Paul Fixter is joining the Rangers broadcasting team this season.

Farwell is excited for this opportunity, and looks forward to working with Fixter.

“You are going to have to carry me for 68 games, Fixty,” Farwell joked with his new broadcasting partner. “We are going to get along just fine.”

Fixter will join Farwell in the broadcast booth, discussing all things regarding Rangers hockey.

“I have always been passionate about the game of hockey and this community,” said Fixter. “This is an opportunity to to fulfill a life-long dream of mine.”

Fixter, a Kitchener native, served as head coach of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and previously was an assistant coach with Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1995-2001.

He is a two time Stanley Cup champion as a member of the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff.

“The rings are a constant reminder of the good time I had in the NHL,” he said. “I don’t wear my bling as much, but it really shows my progression from where I was to what I was able to accomplish in the NHL.”

He is, of course, no stranger to the Rangers culture, having previously held the role as assistant general manager and assistant coach from 2008-2013.

“It’s a full circle moment for me,” he added. “I know the leadership group of this team very well and they are so passionate about this team and community, and that’s a good sign for the fans.”

Fixter said with any new journey, come a little bit of nerves.

“I am nervous to some extent,” he said. “This is a different capacity. But I think, having nerves and butterflies can be a good thing, as long as the butterflies are all flying in the same direction.”

New OHL season is around the corner

The excitement is building around a new OHL season for the Rangers.

There’s a a new bench boss coach in Jussi Ahokas, the 25th head coach in club history.

Training camp is underway as players get ready for a new season.

Fans will have an opportunity to show their Rangers pride back to the Aud for the free Fan Fest and Barbecue on Sept. 3.

the Kitchener Rangers will be welcoming R-Town back to the Aud for the free Fan Fest and Barbecue event – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot A.

Visitors will be able to meet their favourite players and receive autographs, while also enjoying attractions like inflatable games and rides.

Only 4⃣ days until Fan Fest ‼️

Join us from 11am-2pm in Parking Lot A for the festivities and stop by our tent to purchase tickets to our exhibition game to follow ($5.00 cash only) with proceeds supporting @MakeAWishCA!https://t.co/BPE3DT61OV#NewWave | #OHLRangers pic.twitter.com/YzIalabB3v

— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) August 30, 2023

The Kitchener Ranges begin the regular season on Friday, Sept. 29, hosting the Saginaw Spirit with puck drop set for 7 p.m.