Romano scores overtime winner, Rangers take Game 1 against Flint
Posted Mar 29, 2025 10:58:59 AM.
Last Updated Mar 30, 2025 09:58:36 AM.
Game one of the first round between the Kitchener Rangers and the Flint Firebirds did not disappoint, with the Rangers taking the series lead following a 4-3 overtime thriller on Friday night.
Flint would open the scoring in the first period with a goal from Matthew Wang, and take the 1-0 lead into the second period. The Rangers would respond halfway through the period with a goal from Trent Swick. Just over a minute later, Andrew Vermeulen would score to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead, but it would not last long. Flint’s Matthew Mania would tie things up 3-3 with less than seven minutes to go in the period to force overtime.
It would take the Rangers only five minutes into the extra period to get the win, with a nifty backhander from Luca Romano. The Rangers currently lead the series 1-0.
Trent Swick would secure first star honours with his three-point night (two goals and an assist), with Luca Romano getting the third star for scoring the game-winning goal.
570 colour commentator Paul Fixter applauded Swick’s performance, saying he has elevated his game.
“Tonight he came out in the first period and was a physical presence, he was all over the ice,” Fixter said.
The Rangers will host game two of the series on Sunday afternoon before heading down to Flint for game three on Tuesday.
Puck drop is at 2 p.m. at the Kitchener Aud.
