First Downtown Showdown lets young hockey fans meet their idols, the Kitchener Rangers

The first ever Downtown Showdown, hosted by the City of Kitchener and the Kitchener Rangers took over Carl Zehr Square with a large crowd over March break. Families and fans of the Rangers came out to meet their idols, get autographs and watch a 3-on-3 game.

The community cheered on the Rangers as they came out to play and show off their skills. Seeing the success of the event this year, the city’s Manager of Special Events, Steve Roth, said they will likely plan for it again next year.

“The Rangers are here their accessible, there’s so many kids out here that are so excited to meet their idols,” said Roth. “I can tell the players are excited about it.”

Roth added they were looking for March break events when the Rangers approached them with a new idea.

“I know a lot of times people are looking for things to do during the March break, we’ve got the fire department, we’ve got free hot chocolate, and we’ve got the Kitchener Rangers.”

The warm weather did melt the ice, so a good, old ball hockey game was played instead, the crowds didn’t seem to mind as they cheered the Rangers on.

“It’s fun, we’re a little disappointed there was no ice, but the ball hockey is a lot of fun, I think it turned out well,” said Josh Edwards, a local father and Ranger’s fan that was out at the event with his family.

“She was on the ice with Parsons at a game so we brought a picture and he actually just signed it for her,” mentioned Edwards.

Another big Ranger’s fan was out at the game with his grandkids, enjoying seeing the players have a good time with fans.

“We’re here today to support the Ranger’s team, we always go to the Ranger’s games. I have my five grandsons standing behind the benches over there right now,” said Frank Staber.

The Downtown Showdown was full of young, hockey fans and players, including a volunteer with the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association, Riley Cyr.

“My favourite part about sports is just being a family , getting to make the friends you wouldn’t ever meet without it,” said Cyr.

Another volunteer, Amber Lang, also plays hockey and was eager to come out to volunteer, encouraging young kids to start playing the game.

“It’s a great way to make friends and you learn a new skill,” said Lang. “I play hockey myself, so I love hockey, I love the community.”