Rangers open season 2-0 with win over 67’s
Kitchener, ON: The night started with legendary Kitchener Rangers radio announcer Don Cameron being permanently recognized with a banner in The Aud’s rafters and ended with a 5-1 victory over the Ottawa 67’s.
Luke Richardson’s strong play, especially in the 3rd period led the Rangers to their 2nd victory in as many games to start the season.
After a scoreless first period in which the 67’s outshot the Rangers 8-5, Jonathan Yantsis opened the scoring with his 3rd goal of the young season at the 2:38 mark on the powerplay. The Rangers went up 2-0, 43 seconds later when Nick McHugh took a breakaway pass from Rickard Hugg and beat Cedrick Andree.
Greg Meireles made it 3-0 with a high wrist shot from the left faceoff circle. A slapshot from the right blueline by Michael Vukojevic gave the Rangers a 4-0 lead at 15:50. Shots on goal during the 2nd period favoured Kitchener 13-8.
The 67’s came out in the 3rd on the attack and finally beat Richardson when Kevin Bahl scored from the left slot to close the gap to 4-1. The 67’s continued their charge but were continually thwarted by Richardson who set aside 15 of 16 shots he faced in the period.
Chase Campbell in his first game as a Ranger closed out the scoring at 16:00 when a strong effort by Yantsis was finished off by a charging Campbell that ended with both Campbell and the puck in the net.
The 67’s outshot the Rangers 32-26 before 6,597 fans.
3rd Star: Rickard Hugg
2nd Star: Nick McHugh
1st Star: Luke Richardson
The Rangers travel to Windsor tomorrow for a 7:05 puck drop and return to Kitchener on Friday, October 5 versus the Saginaw Spirit at 7:30pm. The game will celebrate 50 years of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest through a Commemorative Jersey and Auction as well as game day celebrations including a ceremonial puck drop.
Tickets still available to all regular season home games. Purchase yours in person at the Activa Box Office at The Aud or Centre in the Square, by phone (519) 578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, or online.
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