Mascherin extends streak, Garreffa nets game winner as Rangers skate into the Christmas break with a win
Joseph Garreffa’s first goal in 24 games proved to be the gift that keeps on giving as the Kitchener Rangers (21-11-2-0) skated into the Christmas break with a 3-2 win over the Kingston Frontenacs (17-10-3-3) in front of 7,135 fans at The Aud on Sunday afternoon.
Garreffa was named the game’s First Star for his third period heroics, while Adam Mascherin was the Third Star with a three-point effort; a goal and a pair of assists, figuring in on all of Kitchener’s offence on the afternoon.
His goal extends his scoring streak to nine straight games, totalling 12 goals and 18 points during that span.
Luke Richardson (14-8-1-0) picked up the win in goal for Kitchener, turning in a solid defensive effort between the pipes for the Blueshirts with 35 saves.
Jeremy Helvig (14-7-3-3) suffered the loss, allowing three Rangers’ goals on 34 shots.
After a scoreless first period which saw Kitchener dominate the shot clock 16-7, Kole Sherwood opened the scoring for the Rangers at 6:51 of the second period, giving the home side a 1-0 lead, from Mascherin.
The Frontenacs answered quickly though, as Linus Nyman made it a 1-1 game, from Jason Robertson, at 8:49.
While on the power play, Mascherin’s 23rd of the season put the Rangers up 2-1, from Garreffa and Connor Bunnaman, to round out second period scoring.
The shots tilted to the Kingston side of the ledger, 20-9 in the middle frame, for a two-period total of 27-25, Frontenacs after 40 minutes.
Robertson got the Frontenacs on the board early in the third period, once again tying the game at 2:22, this time 2-2.
Garreffa’s game winner broke the tie with just under five minutes to play in the third period while the Rangers were on the man advantage. It was his sixth of the season, and first goal since October 14. The goal was assisted by Mascherin – his third point of the game – and Riley Damiani at 15:34.
Final shots on goal were 37-34, Kingston.
The Rangers were 2-for-5 on the power play, while the Frontenacs were 0-for-2 with the man advantage.
Adam Mascherin (KIT) (3), Jason Robertson (KGN) (2), and Joseph Garreffa (KIT) (1) were selected as the Three Stars of the Game.
Jake Henderson, Adam Mascherin, and Cole Carter each wore an “A” and skated as alternates to Rangers’ captain Connor Bunnaman.
The Rangers return to action after the Christmas break on Thursday, December 28 when they travel to Owen Sound to take on the Attack for a 7pm start. Their first game back home at The Aud is the next night, Friday, December 29 when they host the Erie Otters at 7:30pm.
Regular season tickets to all Kitchener Rangers home games are $23.00 each for adults, $19.00 for children 12 and under including HST, and are available in person or by calling the Activa Box Office at The Aud, from Centre in the Square (519) 578-1570 -or- 1-800-265-8977, or by purchasing online.
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