Rangers Fall 7-1 in Owen Sound
The Owen Sound Attack defeated the Kitchener Rangers 7-1 on Saturday night. Curtis Meighan recorded the lone goal for the Rangers. Cameron Brace scored twice for the Attack and was named the game’s first star, while Mike Halmo and Gemel Smith each contributed three points.
Franky Palazzese made 13 saves in a scoreless first period. The Rangers fired five shots at Owen Sound starter Jordan Binnington.
The Attack would find the score sheet just 21 seconds into the middle period. Overage captain Mike Halmo carried the puck out from behind the net and moved it to third year winger Cameron Brace who was waiting in front to pot his 26th of the season.
Brace scored his second of the game near the seven-minute mark of the frame, a long slap shot that beat Palazzese on the short side. With 27 goals and 25 assists, the Markham-native has more than tripled his previous career high of 17 points.
Just 37 seconds later, Brayden Rose’s long shot from the point bounced by Palazzese, putting Owen Sound up 3-0. The sophomore blueliner’s first of the season was assisted by Gemel Smith and Kurtis Gabriel.
The goal prompted a goaltending change by the Rangers. Jack Moylan entered the game after Palazzese allowed three goals on 20 shots.
The Attack continued to lead shots on goal with a 9-7 advantage in the frame.
The Rangers began the third period with two players in the penalty box and Owen Sound quickly took advantage. Daniel Catenacci’s backhand shot beat Moylan just 17 seconds into the frame, giving him 31 goals on the season. Assisting on the play were Halmo and Artur Gavrus.
The Attack extended their lead to five goals just over two minutes later. Smith carried the puck into the zone and found Holden Cook near the top of the crease. Moylan got a glove on it, but could not keep it out of the net. The goal was Cook’s first of the season, assisted by Smith and Gabriel.
Halmo continued the offensive push with the Attack on the power play, adding his team-leading 38th of the year at the 3:54 mark. The Waterloo-native sits tied for third on the OHL’s list of goal scorers. Kyle Hope and Jay Gilbert were credited with the helpers.
Kitchener would get on the board 22 seconds later. Curtis Meighan collected puck in the slot, carried it to the net and slid it through the five-hole of Jordan Binnington. The goal was the fourth of his OHL career, assisted by defensemen Ben Fanelli and Cody Sol.
Daniel Zweep would chip in a goal on his backhand to push the Attack to a 7-1 lead in the final minute of play. The winger’s seventh of the season was assisted by Smith and Devon Rymarchuk.
Owen Sound out-shot the Rangers 13-12 in the final frame and finished the game with a 35-24 advantage. Moylan stopped 11 of the 15 shots he faced in relief of Palazzese.
The contest was the final regular-season meeting of these teams and the Rangers finished the series with a 4-2 advantage. With the win the Attack improve to 30-23-3-4 and remain in fifth place in the Western Conference. The third-place Rangers sit at 38-18-1-1.
Scoring
2. OS C. Brace, (26) (M. Halmo), 0:21
2. OS C. Brace, (27) (D. Catenacci, K. Cutting), 6:51
2. OS B. Rose, (1) (G. Smith, K. Gabriel), 7:28
3. OS D. Catenacci, (31) (M. Halmo, A. Gavrus), 0:17 (PP)
3. OS H. Cook, (1) (G. Smith, K. Gabriel), 2:24
3. OS M. Halmo, (38) (K. Hope, J. Gilbert), 3:54 (PP)
3. KIT C. Meighan, (4) (B. Fanelli, C. Sol), 4:16
3. OS D. Zweep, (7) (G. Smith, D. Rymarchuk), 19:01
Three Stars
1. OS – 11 Cameron Brace
2. OS – 7 Daniel Catenacci
3. OS – 9 Gemel Smith
Attendance: 3,241
The Rangers’ road trip continues on Sunday, February 26th when they take on the Guelph Storm at 2pm. The team returns to home ice on Tuesday, March 6 when they host the Storm at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet or in person at The Aud Box Office or Centre in the Square Box Office.
