Kitchener Rangers 2017-18 exhibition schedule announced, including HarborCenter OHL Showcase
The Kitchener Rangers will play six games before the commencement of the 2017-18 regular season, including three games during a six-team pre-season showcase in partnership with Buffalo’s HarborCenter.
The HarborCenter OHL Showcase features the host Erie Otters along with the Flint Firebirds, North Bay Battalion, Peterborough Petes,Windsor Spitfires and Rangers. The HarborCenter arena has been the three-year host of the NHL Scouting Combine and will also host the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The inaugural event offers fans and scouts the opportunity to see six OHL teams and eight Under-15 AAA programs compete in one place with a total of 26 games scheduled over three days.
“It’s always an exciting time when hockey is back, but to welcome a new season with an event of this magnitude will truly be a special experience for the players,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events. “We look forward to showcasing OHL talent in Buffalo and introducing our league to the next wave of OHL Priority Selection prospects and their families.”
Eight elite U15 AAA teams from across the United States have been invited and split into two pools for a round-robin tournament to coincide with the OHL’s showcase weekend. The host Buffalo Jr. Sabres are grouped with the Chicago Young Americans, Detroit Belle Tire, and Ohio Blue Jackets, with the other group consisting of the Amherst Knights, North Jersey Avalanche, Pittsburgh Pens Elite, and St. Louis Jr. Blues.
All games of both the OHL and U15 showcase will be streamed live.
For more information on the HarborCenter U15 AAA Showcase, click here. Visit ontariohockeyleague.com and harborcenter.com, or follow the events via social media @OHLHockey and @HARBORCTR.
HarborCenter OHL Showcase Schedule:
All games to be played on Key Bank Rink at HarborCenter.
Friday, September 1:
12:30 pm – Flint Firebirds vs Windsor Spitfires
4:00 pm – Kitchener Rangers vs North Bay Battalion
7:30 pm – Erie Otters vs Peterborough Petes
Saturday, September 2:
12:30 pm – North Bay Battalion vs Windsor Spitfires
4:00 pm – Peterborough Petes vs Kitchener Rangers
7:30 pm – Erie Otters vs Flint Firebirds
Sunday, September 3:
12:30 pm – Flint Firebirds vs North Bay Battalion
4:00 pm – Windsor Spitfires vs Peterborough Petes
7:30 pm – Kitchener Rangers vs Erie Otters
The remainder of the Rangers’ 2017-18 exhibition schedule is as follows:
| Date | Exhibition Game No. | Away Team | Home Team | Time | Place |
| Weds. Sept. 13 | Ex. 4 | Kitchener Rangers | vs. Mississauga Steelheads | 7pm | Westwood Arena (Rink 1) |
| Fri. Sept. 15 | Ex. 5 | Kitchener Rangers | vs. Niagara IceDogs | 7pm | Meridian Centre |
| Sat. Sept. 16 | Ex. 6 | Niagara IceDogs | vs. Kitchener Rangers | 2pm | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium |
Prior to the Rangers’ only home exhibition game (September 16) they will host the annual Fan Fest and Barbecue supporting Children’s Wish. More details can be found here.
The complete OHL exhibition schedule can be found at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.
The Rangers open their 2017-18 regular season schedule with their home opener on Friday, September 22 when they play host to the Flint Firebirds at 7:30pm. To purchase tickets to the home opener or to any Rangers home game, click here.
To view the Rangers complete 2017-18 regular season schedule, click here.
