The Kitchener Rangers had a stellar night on Friday as they crushed the Soo Greyhounds 10-2.
It was the Rangers first win in Sault Ste. Marie since February 2020, and their first time scoring 10 goals in a game since December of 2017.
Francesco Pinelli opened the scoring just over four minutes into the game, as the Rangers scored four times in the opening period.
“First period kind of dictated the game. We were ready to play. We were sharp,” said General Manager Mike McKenzie. “When you jump out to a lead like that, you have to find a way to put it out of reach and we found ways to do that. We were dialed-in and ready to play.”
Pinelli finished with two goals and five points in the win.
But the highlight for the players may have come, oddly enough, on the tenth goal. The captain earned an assist on a goal from defenceman turned forward, Ty Hollett; his first of the year.
“I'm not much of a goal scorer, so when I get an opportunity that close to the net, I just want to throw it on net and see what happens,” smiled the former D-Man.
“The guys were really happy for him on the bench, and in the room after the game. He got the hard helmet,” said McKenzie referencing the Kitchener Fire cap a player gives out to a teammate as a symbolic recognition of the hardest worker after each win. Hollett will get a chance to pass it on, after the next two points.
“I probably didn't deserve it,” laughed Hollett. “A lot of other guys had a lot better games, but when you get one like that the boys love it, so I appreciate it.”
Francesco Arcuri and Reid Valade each added two goals and an assist as part of the offensive eruption.
Kitchener continues their road trip Saturday against the Flint Firebirds.
The pregame show with Mike Farwell and Chris Pope begins on CityNews 570 at 6:30 p.m.
--With files from Chris Pope
