Game Recap: Kitchener falls to Brantford 5-3
Kitchener, ONT – Kitchener fell to Brantford 5-3 at the Aud in the second game of their home-and-home series. Mitchell Martin, Carson Rehkopf, and Matthew Sop all recorded points continuing their three-game-point streaks.
The first period was a goaltender showcase as both goalies were tested throughout the first frame. The only goal of the period was scored by Lawson Sherk from the slot at 14:34. David Egorov stood strong through two penalty kills finishing the period with 12 saves. Jackson Parsons matched that also finishing the period with 12 saves.
The Rangers finally broke Egorov early in the second period on the powerplay. Mitchell Martin scored on a one-timer from the point with a pass from Cameron Mercer. Carson Rehkopf was also rewarded with an assist; the goal was scored at 3:15. This goal contributed to Martin and Rehkopf’s three game point streak. Hunter Brzustewicz scored on the powerplay with 2:44 remaining in the second period. Matthew Sop continued his point streak with a primary assist on the goal, he joins Martin and Rehkopf with a three-game point streak. Rehkopf was rewarded a secondary assist on the powerplay goal. Jackson Parsons shut the door in the second period making all 15 saves required of him.
Things got chippy at the halfway mark of the game. Kitchener survived a five-on-three penalty kill, building off the last game when the penalty kill went six for seven. The game continued to be physical with 64 minutes of penalties given out between both teams in the second period alone.
Kitchener was given a five-on-three powerplay 2:03 into the third period. The Rangers mustered up a few chances but were unsuccessful. 10 seconds after the Rangers powerplay ended Brantford scored on a snapshot in the slot by Florian Xhekaj with an assist from Braeden O’Keefe. Brantford doubled down on a 2-on-0. Marek Vanacker scored the goal, making it 3-2 Brantford. The Bulldogs scored their third unanswered goal of the period at 12:10 by Cedricson Okitundu. Nick Lardis then scored in tight on Parsons on his backhand, making that his third point of the game. Matheas Stark gave the Rangers a glimpse of hope scoring glove side with 3:37 left in the game to make it 5-3, the assist went to Cameron Mercer. This was Stark’s first OHL goal in the preseason. The final score was 5-3 Brantford, the shot count was 39-31 also in favour of the Bulldogs, while there were 116 combined penalty minutes.
Kitchener finished the game 2/6 on the powerplay and 4/4 on the penalty kill. The first star of the game was Brantford’s Nick Lardis, and the second star was Florian Xhekaj of Brantford. The third star was Kitchener’s Cameron Mercer with two primary assists on the night.
Next Up: Kitchener is in Oshawa on Sunday, September 10th for a 6:05 p.m. puck drop. The Rangers return to the Aud on Friday, September 22nd to take on the Mississauga Steelheads. Tickets can be purchased at The Aud Box Office sponsored by White Way Plumbing or online here.
