‘Chomping at the bit’: Kitchener Rangers set to host preseason showcase

The Kitchener Rangers are getting set to host a Preseason Showcase for the first time since 2019.

The exhibition games will take place at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. Games will be played between the visiting Saginaw Spirit, Erie Otters, Brantford Bulldogs, as well as the Kitchener Rangers.

Throughout the course of the weekend, each team will face-off against each of the other three teams once, giving fans a chance to watch plenty of hockey over the three days.

“It’s a really fantastic weekend of hockey to see some amazing stars in the Ontario Hockey League, but particularly our group that our fans most likely want to see, and it’s for an amazing cause,” Joe Birch, Chief Operating Officer for the Kitchener Rangers, said. “We’re really excited to get things going.”

The full schedule for the games includes:

• Friday, August 30
• Brantford vs Saginaw – 2:00 p.m.
• Erie vs Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, August 31
• Erie vs Brantford – 2:00 p.m.
• Saginaw vs Kitchener – 6:00 p.m.

• Sunday, September 1st (FAN FEST)
• Erie vs Saginaw – 11:00 a.m.
• Brantford vs Kitchener – 2:30 p.m.

“The NHL teams do many of these prospect and showcase weekends where everybody’s in one place and share the resources,” said Birch. “It’s great hockey with two games a day, so it’s really a great weekend.”

He goes on to say that, as soon as the buzzer rang on the end of last season, the players have been excited to get back into competition on the ice.

“They’re chomping at the bit. They’ve been working pretty hard here and you know they they’ve been waiting since our season ended last year to get back together, so you know it’ll be the first time in a while, and they’re excited to go.”

Tickets for each game are $5 can can be purchased at the door. On the final day, before the last games get underway, the Panthers will also be hosting its Fan Fest and BBQ, which works to build up community engagement before the regular season begins.

“Our Fan Fest itself on Sunday is larger than we’ve ever done,” said Birch. “We have more rides, more obstacle courses, and more vendors who are involved to really give that amazing fan experience. It’s also a great chance to meet our players who will be on site Sunday afternoon signing autographs.”

The event will run on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at The Aud in parking lot A.

The BBQ will feature a hot dog combo for $5, being cash only, with the Rangers autograph session running from 11:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., with some extra availability from Rangers scratches. The funds raised throughout the course of the weekend, including both the Preseason Showcase as well as Fan Fest, are all set to be donated by the team as well.

“All money raised over the course of the weekend will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation, so that’s really important,” said Birch. “We really believe in giving back in the community and trying to support the best way that we can.”

The full list of details, as well as where to purchase tickets for the regular season, can be found on the Kitchener Rangers website.