The year 2022 has wrapped for the Kitchener Rangers.
They head into 2023 in seventh place in the Western Conference, with a record of 15-14-2-0.
The Windsor Spitfires clipped Kitchener 4-3, on New Years Eve, in the border city. It was the Rangers third straight loss, but the second in overtime.
“I was really proud of our third period. I thought we were excellent,” said head coach Chris Dennis. “Challenged the group to go out and have a great third and they came out and performed real well.”
Francesco Arcuri led the Rangers offensively, earning three points in the loss, all assists.
Kitchener went into the second intermission down a goal, but scored twice to put the pressure on the Spits late.
Windsor would wind up with a power-play late in the game, and used it to force overtime.
“I thought we were doing a good job killing the penalty; didn't execute right at the end there,” said Dennis. “Overtime, again, we're a little short staffed, and I overplayed some guys, and I thought our tiredness showed in overtime.”
While earning at least a point in eight of their last nine games, the Rangers have found a way to gain points, even when they're losing.
“I feel good about where our game is at, but we need those points,” said “I think we're in a good spot though. I don't think anyone is wavering at this point.”
The Rangers are on the road to Sault Ste. Marie for a game Wednesday against the Greyhounds, before heading stateside to see Saginaw and Flint on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
