Rangers Edge IceDogs
Kitchener ON: The Kitchener Rangers returned from their Christmas break and extended their winning streak to six games in front of 6,137 fans with a 4-3 win over the Niagara IceDogs.
The two teams battled back and forth with neither team being able to obtain more than a one goal lead throughout the game.
T.J. Battani led the Rangers with two goals, giving him nine on the season. His first came on a scramble in front of the net to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead after one period.
The IceDogs answered back with goals by Chris DeSousa and Jason Bergeron to take a 2-1 lead. Battani got his second of the night on the power play at the 18:57 mark to tie the score 2-2 entering the third period.
Mike Duco scored on a rebound off of Nazem Kadri's shot to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead at the 0:24 mark of the third period.
Michael Swift tied the score at three on a hard wrist shot from the top of the circle.
Justin Azevedo scored the winning goal when he beat Andrew Loverock with a quick snap-shot high to the glove side.
The Rangers return to action this Sunday for a 2:00 pm game against the Peterborough Petes.
Scoring summary
1. KIT Battani, (8) (Varone), 11:48
2. NIAG DeSousa, (10) (Schiestel), 1:49
2. NIAG Bergeron, (5) (Foreman, Merrett), 12:59 (PP)
2. KIT Battani, (9) (Tarasuk, Varone), 18:57 (PP)
3. KIT Duco, (13) (Kadri), 0:24
3. NIAG Swift, (12) (Caputi), 5:48
3. KIT Azevedo, (19) (Battani, Kelly), 14:19
Three Stars
1. KIT – 26 T.J. Battani
2. KIT – 15 Justin Azevedo
3. NIAG – 14 Michael Swift
