Kitchener Rangers - Feed

Rangers Make 13 Selections on Day 2 of the 2026 OHL Priority Draft

Luca Lombardi — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:17:32 +0000

Kingston, ON – Following day one of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, presented by Real Canadian Superstore, the Rangers added 13 more players on day two to finish the 15-round Priority Selection process. The Blueshirts selected 14 players: eight forwards, four defencemen and two goalies in this year’s draft.

DAY 2 Rounds 2-3: Saturday, June 13th (two selections)

Round (Pick)	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Date of Birth	Team	Hometown
2 (41)	Evan Fitzgerald	C	5.09.5	159	Sep 10, 2010	Vaughan Kings U16 AAA	Peterborough, ON
3 (56)	Gavin Martin	RW	6.02.5	174	Feb 8, 2010	Brantford 99ers U16 AAA	Brantford, ON

With the 41st pick, the Rangers selected forward Evan Fitzgerald in the second round from the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program in the GTHL. The Peterborough native recorded 33 points (16G, 17A) in 32 games for the Kings and added five points (2G, 3A) in four OHL Cup games. Standing at five-foot-ten, 159 pounds, Fitzgerald is the younger brother of Soo Greyhounds forward, Colin Fitzgerald. Kitchener's next selection came in the third round via the Flint Firebirds, 56th overall, where the Rangers' selected Gavin Martin from the Brantford 99ers U16 AAA program. The Brantford, Ontario native recorded 31 points (17G, 14A) in 29 regular season games and averaged over a point-per-game in 11 playoff games producing four goals and nine assists for 13 points. The Blueshirts selected their first defenceman of the draft in the sixth round after having no selections in the fourth and fifth rounds. Keaton Van Spronsen is a right-shot defenceman from the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA program. Listed a six-foot-one, Van Spronsen demonstrated good offensive ability recording 25 points (4G, 21A) in 25 regular season games for the Jr. Knights. Caden Yale (51GP, 13G, 27A, 40 PTS), Evan Miller (43GP, 8G, 19A, 27 PTS), and Taylor Van De Ven (30GP, 2G, 16A, 18 PTS) were the other three defencemen selected by the Kitchener Rangers in this years priority selection. The Rangers called the names of two goaltenders, first calling the name of Bryan Schwartz in the eighth round (153rd overall) and then calling the name of Garrett Rupp in the twelfth round (240th overall). Both goalies are American-born with Schwartz residing in Monroe Township, New Jersey and Rupp residing in Warrenton, Pennsylvania. Schwartz is listed at five-foot-nine and posted an impressive 0.919 save percentage and 2.78 goals against average in 30 games competing in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL15). Rupp stands in at six-foot-three and posted a 2.94 goals against average in seven games for the Bishop Kearney Selects 15's. In the ninth round (180th overall) the Kitchener Rangers selected Nathan Pavelski from the Madison Capitols in Madison, Wisconsin. Pavelski is the son of former longtime NHL forward, Joe Pavelski. The five-foot-nine right-winger produced 69 points (27G, 42A) in 59 games for the Capitols this past season. Rounds 4-15: Saturday, June 13th (11 selections)

Round (Pick)	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Date of Birth	Team	Hometown
6 (105)	Keaton Van Spronsen	D	6.00.75	158	Mar 13, 2010	London Jr. Knights U16 AAA	London, ON
6 (120)	George Majic	RW	5.06.5	135	Nov 23, 2010	Upper Canada College Blues U16	Toronto, ON
7 (124)	Caden Yale	D	6.00.5	153	Apr 5, 2010	Bishop Kearney Selects 15’s	Colts Neck, NJ
8 (153)	Bryan Schwartz	G	5.09	130	Jan 19, 2010	Philadelphia HC 15’s	Monroe Township, NJ
9 (180)	Nathan Pavelski	RW	5.09.25	194	Oct 26, 2010	Madison, WI	Madison Capitols 15’s
10 (185)	Michael Pacek	LW	5.11.75	169	Mar 05, 2010	Bolton, ON	Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA
11 (220)	Cooper Cote	C	6.01	183	Jul 9, 2010	Komoka, ON	Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA
12 (240)	Garrett Rupp	G	6.02.5	194	Jan 25, 2010	Warrenton, VA	Bishop Kearney Selects 15’s
13 (260)	Evan Miller	D	6.00.5	154	Sep 28, 2010	Chicago, IL	Chicago Mission 15’s
14 (280)	Taylor Van De Ven	D	6.00.5	213	Dec 26, 2010	Delaware, ON	Sun County Panthers U16 AAA
15 (300)	Carson Vukelich	RW	5.09.5	169	Feb 5, 2010	Paris, ON	Brantford 99ers U16 AAA

The Kitchener Rangers will host their 2026 Development Camp next weekend (June 19th - 21th) at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and Activa Sportsplex in Kitchener. Full prospect rosters and details will be made available throughout the week. All on-ice activities (testing and exhibition games) are open to the public. __ Want to guarantee your seat for Opening Night and every Rangers home game this season? Season Ticket Memberships for the 2026-27 season are available now, and fans can select their seats online today. Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLDraft. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Rangers Select Forward Braden Reilly 19th Overall in 2026 OHL Priority Selection

Luca Lombardi — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 03:10:29 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kitchener Rangers were on the clock with the 19th selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Draft presented by Real Canadian Superstore, and selected Braden Reilly (RW) from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program.

Braden Reilly, the Rangers first-round (19th overall) selection is a two-way forward born in Milton, Ontario. Reilly played his last two years of minor hockey with the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program where he amassed an impressive 33 points (15G, 18A) in 30 games during the 2025-26 season, including 4 points (2G, 2A) in four OHL Cup games. The 5-foot-11, 157-pound centreman was named as an assistant captain for the Marlies this season. “We are thrilled to select Braden with the 19th overall pick," said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. "He is a very talented player that we are excited to welcome to our organization. We look forward to seeing him in a Ranger uniform. Congratulations to Braden and his family on a special night.” "I mean it is a tremendous honour," said Braden Reilly when asked what it felt like to be drafted to a team coming off a Memorial Cup Championship. "It's an amazing city to go to especially after winning a Memorial Cup and I'm very excited to get going. As a young kid I would always go to The Aud and I watched a lot of games of theirs and I am super pumped to be apart of that now." Braden's father, Brent is an OHL alum of the Peterborough Petes, spending parts of two seasons in the Petes organization from 1996-1998 where he featured in 59 games. Previous First Round Rangers Picks: 2026 - Braden Reilly, 19th overall 2025 - Kane Barch, 22nd overall 2024 - Evan Headrick, 15th overall 2023 - Cameron Reid, 10th overall & Luca Romano, 11th overall 2022 - Michael Hage, 9th overall 2021 - Carson Rehkopf, 17th overall 2020 - Andrew Leblanc, 17th overall Rounds 4-15 begin Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. Fans can follow pick-by-pick results here or can watch the stream live on FloHockey. For all the latest information on the Rangers at the 2026 OHL Draft, visit KitchenerRangers.com. __ Want to guarantee your seat for Opening Night and every Rangers home game this season? Season Ticket Memberships for the 2026-27 season are available now, and fans can select their seats online today. Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLDraft. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Media Release: 2026 OHL Priority Draft Preview

Luca Lombardi — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:11:42 +0000

Kingston, ON – The 2026 OHL Priority Draft is upon us. The Kitchener Rangers and rest of the league will be on the clock starting at 7:00 p.m. this evening live from Slush Puppie Place in Kingston. This weekend presents a chance for Kitchener to add more talent to its roster. Tonight’s portion of the draft will include the first round only in which Kitchener will select 19th overall. Saturday, June 13th will include rounds 2-3 beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a 20 minute break at 12:30 p.m. followed by rounds 4 through 15 after that to conclude the draft. The Rangers making a total of 14 selections. Fans unable to attend in Kingston can still follow every selection through a variety of viewing options. The 2026 OHL Priority Selection will be broadcast live on YourTV and streamed through FloHockey’s digital platforms. Watch the OHL Draft Live On:

Additional television availability will be shown locally through Rogers TV. Friday night will also be available through Super Sports Pak. It will also be covered extensively on Kitchener Rangers Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Click here for more information on the Selection Process. Results will also be updated on our Draft Page.

Full Pick Selection: 1 (19th Overall) 2 (41st Overall) Compensatory Pick 3 (56th Overall) From Flint 6 (105th Overall) From Sarnia 6 (120th Overall) 7 (124th Overall) From Brampton 8 (153rd Overall) From Sault Ste. Marie 9 (180th Overall) 10 (185th Overall) From Sarnia 11 (220th Overall) 12 (240th Overall) 13 (260th Overall) 14 (280th Overall) 15 (300th Overall)

__ Want to guarantee your seat for Opening Night and every Rangers home game this season? Season Ticket Memberships for the 2026-27 season are available now, and fans can select their seats online today. Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLDraft. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

2026 Rangers #OHLDraft Central

Luca Lombardi — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:37:30 +0000

Kingston, ON - The future of the Ontario Hockey League will be decided right in front of your eyes. The 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore is officially returning to an in-person model.

Join us on June 12th (starting at 7:00pm) and 13th (starting at 9:00am) at Slush Puppie Place in the heart of Kingston. This isn’t just a draft; it’s a homecoming for the OHL community as we celebrate the next generation of talent taking the next step toward their hockey dreams.

Results will also be updated on our Draft Page.

DAY 1 Round1: Friday, June 12th (Recap) The Kitchener Rangers will pick once on Friday:

Round (Pick)	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Date of Birth	Team	Hometown
1 (19)	Braden Reilly	RW	5.11.5	157	May 12, 2010	Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA	Milton, ON

DAY 2 Rounds 2-3: Saturday, June 13th (Recap)

Round (Pick)	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Date of Birth	Team	Hometown
2 (41)	Evan Fitzgerald	C	5.09.5	159	Sep 10, 2010	Vaughan Kings U16 AAA	Peterborough, ON
3 (56)	Gavin Martin	RW	6.02.5	174	Feb 8, 2010	Brantford 99ers U16 AAA	Brantford, ON

Rounds 4-15: Saturday, June 13th (Recap)

Round (Pick)	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Date of Birth	Team	Hometown
6 (105)	Keaton Van Spronsen	D	6.00.75	158	Mar 13, 2010	London Jr. Knights U16 AAA	London, ON
6 (120)	George Majic	RW	5.06.5	135	Nov 23, 2010	Upper Canada College Blues U16	Toronto, ON
7 (124)	Caden Yale	D	6.00.5	153	Apr 5, 2010	Bishop Kearney Selects 15's	Colts Neck, NJ
8 (153)	Bryan Schwartz	G	5.09	130	Jan 19, 2010	Philadelphia HC 15's	Monroe Township, NJ
9 (180)	Nathan Pavelski	RW	5.09.25	194	Oct 26, 2010	Madison, WI	Madison Capitols 15's
10 (185)	Michael Pacek	LW	5.11.75	169	Mar 05, 2010	Bolton, ON	Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA
11 (220)	Cooper Cote	C	6.01	183	Jul 9, 2010	Komoka, ON	Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA
12 (240)	Garrett Rupp	G	6.02.5	194	Jan 25, 2010	Warrenton, VA	Bishop Kearney Selects 15's
13 (260)	Evan Miller	D	6.00.5	154	Sep 28, 2010	Chicago, IL	Chicago Mission 15's
14 (280)	Taylor Van De Ven	D	6.00.5	213	Dec 26, 2010	Delaware, ON	Sun County Panthers U16 AAA
15 (300)	Carson Vukelich	RW	5.09.5	169	Feb 5, 2010	Paris, ON	Brantford 99ers U16 AAA

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Rangers Home Opener Set for Friday, September 18

Luca Lombardi — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:00:20 +0000

Rangers’ Make Three Selections During OHL Under-18 Priority Draft

Luca Lombardi — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:58:21 +0000

Kitchener, ON - The Kitchener Rangers made three selections Monday night during the OHL Under-18 Priority Draft, selecting Left-Winger Connor Adam (Toronto Jr. Canadiens), Goaltender Ethan Suski (Ottawa Myers Automotive), and Centre Keaton Legacy (Whitby Wildcats). Connor Adam is a six-foot, 180 pound forward who spent this past season in the GTHL with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U18 AAA program where he averaged just over a point-per-game with 33 points (17G, 16A) in 32 games. The Toronto, Ontario native also featured in three games for the Markham Royals in the OJHL where he recorded an assist. Adam spent his U16 season also in the GTHL with the Vaughan Kings where he produced 16 points (10G, 6A) in 33 games. Ethan Suski is a six-foot-one, 184 pound goaltender from Ottawa, Ontario who spent this past season with the Ottawa Myers Automotive U18 AAA program in the HEO U18. In 17 games, Suski posted a 2.55 goals against average and 10-2-4 record. Suski also spent his U16 season with the Ottawa Myers Automotive. Keaton Legacy is a forward who also stands in at six-foot, weighing 174 pounds. The Courtice, Ontario native was a member of the Whitby Wildcats U18 AAA program this past season in the OMHA. Legacy (16) scored 13 goals and added 11 assists (24 points) in 30 games this past season and added seven points (4G, 3A) in eight playoff games. Legacy played his U16 season with the Peterborough Petes who also compete in the OMHA. __ Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #BattleBuilt. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

OHL to hold 2026 Under-18 Priority Selection on Monday at 7:00pm

Luca Lombardi — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:38:02 +0000

Kitchener, ON – The 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Monday, June 8th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2008 and 2009 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province. The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com. A complete order of selection can be found here. The Kitchener Rangers will be selecting three times tomorrow – 1st round (19th overall), 2nd round (39th overall), and 3rd round (59th overall). You can follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com. Note: The Kitchener Rangers can only make a third selection if a goalie has been selected with their first or second round pick. Ian Robinson (3rd round - 51st overall, 2025) joined Jack LaBrash (2nd round - 35th overall, 2024) as the second Kitchener Rangers to be signed via the Under-18 Priority selection on this years roster. See the full 2025 U-18 draft recap here. __

Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection: History: The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development. Recent Selections to Play in the OHL: A number of former U18 selections spent the 2025-26 season in the OHL including Peterborough Petes teammates Brennan Faulkner and Brett Hammond, Sudbury Wolves forward Rowan Henderson, Kingston Frontenacs forward Riley Clark, Erie Otters netminder Noah Tegelaar, Brampton Steelheads forward Julian Demiglio, Barrie Colts forward Luc Gauvreau, Windsor Spitfires goaltender Michael Newlove, North Bay Battalion blueliner Jonathan Kapageridis, Flint Firebirds forward Josh Bonnyman as well as Kitchener Rangers forward Jack LaBrash. Players Eligible for Selection: All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2025-26 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection. Selection Procedure: The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players. Teams that select a goaltender in one of the first two rounds are permitted to select an additional skater in a third round of selections.

Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #BattleBuilt. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Media Release: Jack Pridham Announces Commitment to University of Denver Pioneers

Luca Lombardi — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:00:13 +0000

Kitchener, ON – Jack Pridham announced today his commitment to the University of Denver and Denver Pioneers for the 2026-27 season. The overage forward completed his junior hockey career earning the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the leading scorer in the Memorial Cup guiding Kitchener to their third Memorial Cup Trophy in team history. The Stouffville, Ontario native completed his final OHL season fifth in league scoring with 90 points and second in goals with 46. Both of those tallies led the Kitchener Rangers during the regular season. Pridham added 17 points (2G, 15A) in 18 playoff games which saw the Rangers go 16-2-0-0 en route to a fifth OHL Championship. Since coming over from the West Kelowna Warriors in the BCHL, Pridham skated in 113 regular season games for the Blueshirts scoring 73 times and adding 71 assists averaging 1.27 points-per-game. This season, Jack was awarded the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy given to the best overage player in the Ontario Hockey League. Jack kept the streak alive making it the third consecutive season a Kitchener Ranger has won the trophy after Matthew Sop (2024) and Jackson Parsons (2025). Jack was also named to the All-Star Third team at his right wing position earning his first all-star team nomination. Pridham, 20, had his rights traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 1st, extending his signing window by two years. Pridham was originally a third-round draft pick (92nd overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2024. The Denver Pioneers, led by Head Coach Davide Carle, are an NCAA D1 program that play out of Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Pioneers have been crowned National Champions two times in the past three seasons, winning the Frozen Four Tournament in 2024 (2-0 vs. Boston College) and 2026 (2-1 vs. Wisconsin). __ Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #BattleBuilt. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Andonovski, O’Reilly, and Pridham Collect Awards At Annual Hockey Hall of Fame OHL Awards Ceremony

Luca Lombardi — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:25:23 +0000

Toronto, ON - On Wednesday, June 3rd, the Ontario Hockey League held its annual OHL Awards ceremony in downtown Toronto at the Hockey Hall of Fame, where players, staff, and officials were recognized for their exceptional contributions to our league on and off the ice. A total of 17 awards were handed out at yesterday afternoons event, with three Kitchener Rangers taking home hardware. Matthew Andonovski was awarded the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award, presented by Ted Baker himself. The annual honour is presented to the player deemed the best teammate based off selfless play, on and off-ice leadership as a mentor and role model to other players, as well as a commitment and dedication to his team. “It’s an honour to receive this award,” said Andonovski. “I pride myself on being a dependable and positive teammate who always supports my teammates, works hard for the team’s success, and helps create a strong team environment on and off the ice.” Andonovski was joined by his family, billet family, and members of the Kitchener Rangers staff as they watched him collect his trophy. The Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award was first announced in August 2023 following the retirement of OHL Vice President Ted Baker, who served 35 years with the Ontario Hockey League. The award celebrates the achievements of a player deemed to have demonstrated the same qualities of teamwork, selflessness and dedication demonstrated by Ted throughout his time with the league. Andonovski emerged from a field of five finalists that also included Kingston Frontenacs defenceman André Mondoux, Niagara IceDogs forward Hayden Reid, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Josh Glavin and Windsor Spitfires rearguard Wyatt Kennedy. Nomination letters are submitted annually by OHL General Managers on behalf of their individual team candidates. The selection committee consists of a panel of OHL Hockey Operations staff members. Sam O'Reilly was awarded the Red Tilson Trophy presented by OHL Commissioner, Bryan Crawford, awarded to the League’s Most Outstanding Player as voted by OHL accredited writers and broadcasters.

O’Reilly became the first Rangers player to claim the prestigious honour since Justin Azevedo in 2008. Other previous winners from the franchise include John Tucker (1983-84) and Walt Tkaczuk (1967-68).

“I am incredibly honoured to receive the Red Tilson Trophy,” said O’Reilly. “I wouldn’t be accepting this award today without the support of my family, billets and teammates throughout my years in the league, I’d like to thank my coaches and support staff in London and now Kitchener.”

O'Reilly was accompanied by his whole family along with members from the Kitchener Rangers and London Knights staff.

A member of Canada’s National Junior Team, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect factored prominently into the 2025-26 OHL Coaches Poll, being voted the Western Conference’s smartest player, best on faceoffs, and best defensive forward.

A 20-year-old from Toronto, O’Reilly entered the OHL as London’s second round (37th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. His accomplished OHL career has included two OHL championships and a Memorial Cup title, while accumulating 77 goals, 121 assists and 198 points over 191 regular season games. The Edmonton Oilers selected O’Reilly in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. He was later dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 8, 2025 in a deal that saw the Oilers acquire prospect Isaac Howard.

In the media voting process to determine the winner, O’Reilly emerged from a group of five finalists, capturing 35% of the vote. Other finalists included Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts (19%), Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs (17%), Nathan Aspinall of the Flint Firebirds (13%), and Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit (7%).

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League. First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals. A few prominent past winners of the award include Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2022), Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters (2015) and John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals (2006).

O'Reilly became just the fourth player in CHL history to win the league MVP, playoff MVP, and Memorial Cup MVP all in the same season.

Jack Pridham was awarded the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy presented by Kitchener Rangers alumni and former winner, Jackson Parsons, awarded annually to the OHL Overage Player of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers. “It’s a tremendous honour to win the Overage Player of the Year Award,” said Pridham. “I want to thank my teammates and the coaching staff for everything they’ve done to help me this season. To continue the tradition after Soppy and Parsons is great as well. It’s awesome to keep that award in the organization.” Pridham was joined by his parents, grandparents, and girlfriend along with Kitchener Rangers staff. As mentioned, Jackson Parsons presented Jack with award as were seated together. A 20-year-old from Stouffville, ON, Pridham completes his second season with the Rangers after producing 54 points (27-27–54) over 48 games in 2024-25. The 6-foot-2, 185Ib. right-wing was chosen by Kitchener in the ninth round (177th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection before he competed in the St. Andrew’s College prep hockey program and parts of the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons with the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors. The Chicago Blackhawks selected Pridham in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. Pridham emerged as the award recipient out of a group of finalists that also consisted of defenceman Maleek McGowan of the Kingston Frontenacs, forward Cooper Foster of the Ottawa 67’s and forward Marco Mignosa of the Soo Greyhounds. First presented in 1984, the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League, in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former Chief Scout of OHL Central Scouting. Leo Lalonde was also former the Chief Scout for the Belleville Bulls as well as a scout for the Peterborough Petes. Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Rangers Fans Pack Streets for Memorial Cup Championship Parade

Luca Lombardi — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:29:09 +0000

A 23-year wait ended Tuesday night as thousands of fans lined King Street and flooded Carl Zehr Square to celebrate the return of the national junior championship to Kitchener. Written by Cassidy Derry June 3, 2026 King Street was lined by thousands shoulder-to-shoulder from Queen Street all the way to Young Street, to welcome home the Kitchener Rangers and celebrate the return of the Memorial Cup to the city of Kitchener. With the cup parade concluding in Carl Zehr Square in the heart of downtown, Rangers’ announcer Dave Schnider introduced the team to the opening chords of AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells played live by The Golden Keys, just as he had done every Friday night at the Auditorium. The difference this Tuesday night, was that he introduced them as the 2026 Memorial Cup Champions. Though most players on the stage were celebrating a first, for many gathered in front of them, the moment had been more than two decades in the making. Looking around the packed square, it was impossible not to think back to two weeks ago, when Rangers Nation had gathered carrying hope and encouragement to send the team off to their seventh Memorial Cup. Upon the team's return to the square that evening—carrying the ultimate prize in junior hockey—the moment veteran fans had waited 23 years for, and younger fans had only ever dreamt of, had become a reality. This unforgettable championship run was marked by decisions both on the ice and in the front office, all powered by a city that continually showed up for its team. Rangers’ head coach Jussi Ahokas stepped up to the microphone to share the national title with the fans he had continually referred to as “the sixth player on the ice.” “I had one goal when I came [to Kitchener] three years ago,” Ahokas began. “I wanted to make us the best junior organization in the whole world…and that’s what we are now.” As the crowd roared in response with chants of “Jussi! Jussi! Jussi!” Ahokas was quick to credit both his players and the fanbase. “How they played for each other, everything they did to get the job done…what a bunch of players and what a bunch of great young men. I’ve been to many places in the world, and there is no fanbase like what we have here.” The people of Kitchener are not only spectators, but stakeholders deeply invested in, and impacted by, the success of the Rangers. As a proudly community-owned franchise, the organization's expectations for their players are incredibly high because the city’s expectations are equally high. “On November 19th, I got a call from Joe Birch [Rangers’ COO and Governor] at 3 o’clock in the afternoon,” said General Manager Mike McKenzie as he addressed the crowd. “He told me we weren’t getting the 2027 Memorial Cup. It had been awarded to the Guelph Storm.” At the mention of the Rangers’ regional rivals, the crowd responded with playful boos that soon turned into the loudest cheers of the night when McKenzie shared his response: “We took some time to think about it. We said, ‘Screw it, we’re going to go to Kelowna and get it this year.’” A bold promise made, and a promise kept. That commitment brought the crowd back to the send-off rally weeks prior, when Captain Cameron Reid had vowed his team would be “the hardest working team there” for their fans. Standing on the stage once again, Reid credited #RTown for their role in capturing the trophy now sitting on the table beside him. “When we first got into the playoffs, we thought about you guys [the fans],” said Reid. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we went undefeated in the playoffs at home,” he finished, referencing the team’s perfect 10-0 record in playoff games at The Aud. Veteran defenceman Matthew Andonovski also reflected on what it has been like to play at the beloved arena for the past five years of his junior hockey career. “The energy made the arena feel like a special place,” Andonovski told the crowd. “Whether it was at The Aud or following us on the road, you created an atmosphere that made the Kitchener Rangers the most respected and supported team in junior hockey. I’m proud of everything we accomplished over the last five years, and it couldn’t have ended any better way.” A national championship of this scale has the unique ability to transcend age, time, and statistics by connecting a team and a city through the shared experience of achieving something incredible together. “The season may be over, but these boys next to me here are my brothers for the rest of our lives,” said Rangers’ forward Dylan Edwards. Before he could continue, a voice cut through the crowd: “Once a Ranger, always a Ranger!” As Edwards smiled at the moment, he delivered a line that anchored the championship parade and the crowning moment in Rangers’ history. “All I know is that there’ve been three championships in this city, and every one of us standing here is one of those three. Any time you mention the 2026 Kitchener Rangers, you’ll mention us as Memorial Cup Champions!”