Kitchener Rangers - Feed https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/tag/joseph-rupoli/ Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:06:08 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 Game Preview: Kitchener Rangers Open 2026 Preseason Schedule at Home to The Sting https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/game-preview-kitchener-rangers-open-2026-preseason-schedule-at-home-to-the-sting Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:59:38 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/game-preview-kitchener-rangers-open-2026-preseason-schedule-at-home-to-the-sting Kitchener, ON – The East Avenue Blue are back at The Aud Sunday afternoon to play their first-of-five preseason games ahead of the 2026-27 season. The reigning Memorial Cup Champions will host the Sarnia Sting with puck drop set for 2:00 p.m. HEAD-TO-HEAD The Kitchener Rangers will face off against the Sarnia Sting four times during the regular season. Two matchups at home (Dec. 8th & Mar. 19th) and two matchups on the road (Jan. 13th & Mar. 7th). Past Years: Last season, Kitchener held the upper hand in the four-game season series, finishing with a 3-1-0-0 record, with all three wins coming in regulation. The Blueshirts have also found consistent success against Sarnia in recent years, matching last season record during the 2024-25 campaign, also holding a 3-1-0-0 record against the Sting.   RANGERS ROUND UP PLAYERS TO LOOK FOR: Alexander Bilecki is as dynamic as they come from the back end. The Rangers will ask Bilecki to carry the offensive load from the blueline this season and he looks poised to do so. Bilecki had an impressive run through the 2026 OHL Playoffs, producing 11 points (2G, 9A) in 18 games, adding another three points (3A) in four games at the Memorial Cup – including an assist on the opening goal in the championship game. Jiří Gombár was the Kitchener Rangers’ second-round selection (74th overall) in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Gombár, 17, will have an instant impact on the Rangers blueline adding a mix of offence and strong defence. Gombár has a strong showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Alberta this past summer, producing a point-per-game pace (2G, 2A) over four games. Dmitri Toporowski comes into the season as the lone overage player on the roster. Although new to R-Town, Dmitri is looking to bring a veteran presence to the Rangers’ locker room. He will help stabilize the right-side of the Rangers’ d-core. Drafted Rangers: The Kitchener Rangers have four NHL drafted prospects on their preseason roster. Alexander Bilecki (Toronto Maple Leafs) was selected in the second-round, 60th overall this past summer, along with newcomer, Charlie Puglisi (Nashville Predators) hearing his name called in the seventh-round, 202nd overall. Andrew MacNiel (Montreal Canadiens) and Luca Romano (New York Islanders) were both selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.   SCOUTING THE SARNIA STING PLAYERS TO LOOK FOR: Alessandro Di Iorio is back for a third season with the Sarnia Sting. Di Iorio is coming off a summer where he was selected in the third-round (94th overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Although only featuring in 45 games last season, Di Iorio improved his point production per game and will be relied upon this season to be a leader in the locker room. Brenner Lammens, the fourth overall selection in the 2025 OHL Priority Draft had a strong rookie campaign, finishing with 18 points (9G, 9A) in 59 games. Lammens will look to take another step in his sophomore season as his is eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft next June. For the second-straight season, the Sarnia Sting held the fourth overall selection in the OHL Priority Selection. With the pick in this year’s draft, the Sting selected Anthony Sgro from the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program. Sgro was the captain of his Vaughan King team and recorded just under a point-per-game as a defenceman. Sgro will look to make an instant impact in his rookie season.   Drafted Sting: The Sarnia Sting roster features two NHL drafted prospects. Forward Alessandro Di Iorio (Columbus Blue Jackets) was selected in the third-round this past summer and Parker Holmes (Chicago Blackhawks) was a fourth-round selection in 2025.   RANGERS REACH 50/50 IS BACK We're kicking off pre-season with the launch of the Rangers Reach Super September 50/50, running from today until Home Opener night on Friday, September 18th. Purchase your 50/50 tickets here for a chance at one huge jackpot and four incredible early bird prizes, while supporting local young people and community organizations. The jackpot winner will be drawn on Home Opener night on Friday, September 18, with a $200 Keg Waterloo Waterloo gift card as the consolation prize! EARLY BIRD PRIZES
  • Sunday, August 30: A night in the Club 63 party suite for you and guests to enjoy a Kitchener Rangers home game with a view + $500 food and beverage credit
  • Friday, September 04: $2,000 cash
  • Monday, September 7: Toronto Blue Jays VIP experience, with four (4) 100-level tickets to see the Jays vs. Tigers (Sep 15), a pregame tour with batting practice access + a $200 VISA gift card
  • Friday, September 18: A Kitchener Rangers all-access pass, with a custom jersey, behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Aud, including player facilities, and four (4) tickets to a home game with VIP parking
To be eligible for an early bird prize, tickets must be purchased before the puck drops in the 3rd period on each deadline game day. Tickets can be purchased online at Rangers5050.com and at home games.   Broadcast Coverage: Friday’s game against the Sarnia Sting will be televised on Rogers TV (Channel 20). It will be the lone preseason game to be televised. Consistent with recent seasons, there will be no radio broadcast for all preseason games.   UP NEXT: The preseason summer showcase returns to Kitchener for a third-straight season with the Erie Otters, Oshawa Generals, and Saginaw Spirit making the trip the R-Town. Kitchener will host the Oshawa Generals on Friday, September 4th for their first game of the showcase. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.   For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi  Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com]]> Kitchener Rangers Reassign 22 Players at Training Camp https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-reassign-22-players-at-training-camp Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:46:55 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-reassign-22-players-at-training-camp Kitchener, Ont – Following yesterday’s final blue and white game, the Kitchener Rangers have announced the reassignment of eleven forwards, six defencemen, and five goaltenders from Training Camp: Forwards: (11)  Connor Adam Cooper Cote Cole Crawford Griffin Fox Markus Harper Hudson Hisey Kaden Koutroulides Keaton Legacy George Majic Michael Pacek Carson Vukelich   Defencemen: (6) Nathan Gaitens Jayson Synnott Taylor Van de Ven Keaton Van Spronsen Caden Yale Ryker Young   Goaltenders: (5)  Nolan Carriere Bryan Schwartz Ethan Suski Josh Taylor Garrett Rupp   The Kitchener Rangers will carry a roster of 26 players consisting of 16 forwards, 8 defencemen, and 2 goaltenders for its first exhibition game on Sunday, August 30th against the Sarnia Sting. This leaves the following players on the current roster (not official roster): Forwards: (16)  Roman Andreev Avry Anstis Cameron Arquette Weston Cameron Haeden Ellis Evan Fitzgerald Jack LaBrash Tanner Lam Jacob Lukes Gavin Martin Evan Nicholson Charlie Puglisi Ian Robinson Braden Reilly Ryder Roberson Luca Romano   Defense: (8)  Alexander Bilecki Alex Forrest Tommy Kut Jiří Gombár Andrew MacNiel Logan Massimi Kaden Schneider Dmitri Toporowski Goaltenders: (2)  Mason Hriczov Jason Schaubel   Following the Rangers first exhibition game against the Sarnia Sting on Sunday, August 30th,  the Rangers will host a preseason showcase at The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium from September 4th to September 6th. This exciting event will feature the Erie Otters, Oshawa Generals, Saginaw Spirit, and your Kitchener Rangers. Tickets are $5.00 (General Admission, one ticket price for all ages, children under 2 are free) and can be purchased at the door on the day of the games. Net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Make-A-Wish Canada. Fan Fest presented by Longo's will be held on Sunday, September 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. After that, the Kitchener Rangers will hit the road for two more exhibition games. First, the East Avenue Blue head to Elmira to host the Saginaw Spirit on Labour Day Monday (September 7th) at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. Then, to conclude the Rangers preseason schedule, the team will travel to Barrie to take on the Colts at the Sadlon Arena on Saturday September 12th. ___ Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLRangers. 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]]> Team White Sweep Three-Game Exhibition Series to Conclude 2026 Training Camp https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/team-white-sweep-three-game-exhibition-series-to-conclude-2026-training-camp Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:00:54 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/team-white-sweep-three-game-exhibition-series-to-conclude-2026-training-camp Kitchener, ON – The Kitchener Rangers hosted their 2026 Training Camp on Tuesday, August 25th through Thursday August 26th going through off-ice testing, on-ice testing, and three inter-squad games. The roster was split into two team, Team White and Team Blue. Game 1: Wednesday, August 26th – 10:00 a.m. Team White 6 – Team Blue 3 Team White doubled up on Team Blue in the opening game of camp, winning by a score of 6-3. Returning players, Alexander Bilecki (2), Haeden Ellis, and Weston Cameron got on the board for Team White, while Jack LaBrash and Andrew MacNiel got on the board for Team Blue. Nolan Carriere started the game for Team White and was relieved by Bryan Schwartz midway through the game. Garrett Rupp got the start for Team Blue and was relieved by Ethan Suski in the second half of the game. Full Goal Scorers List:
Team White Team Blue
Alexander Bilecki (2) Roman Andreev
Gavin Martin Jack LaBrash
Haeden Ellis Andrew MacNiel
Markus Harper  
Weston Cameron  
  Game 2: Wednesday, August 26th – 6:00 p.m. Team White 6 – Team Blue 2 Team White increased their margin of victory in Game 2 winning by four goals. 2026 first-round selection, Braden Reilly scored twice for Team White, while Weston Cameron also found the back of the net on two occasions. Jack LaBrash scored in a second consecutive game for Team Blue. Mason Hriczov started the game for Team White and was relieved by Josh Taylor midway through the game. Jason Schaubel got the start for Team Blue and was relieved by Ethan Suski in the second half of the game. Cameron Arquette was the lone goal scorer in the shootout to give Team Blue the victory in the skills competition. Full Goal Scorers List:
Team White Team Blue
Braden Reilly Jack LaBrash
Tanner Lam Cameron Arquette
Weston Cameron  
Weston Cameron  
Braden Reilly (PPG/ENG)  
Evan Nicholson  
  Game 3: Thursday, August 27th – 10:00 a.m. Team White 8 – Team Blue 3 Team White had their most impressive offensive showing in the final game of camp scoring eight goals, increasing their margin of victory in each game. Haeden Ellis recorded a hat trick in the game for Team White, while Jack LaBrash maintained his goal-per-game streak scoring again for Team Blue. Josh Taylor started the game for Team White and was relieved by Nolan Carriere midway through the game. Bryan Schwartz got the start for Team Blue and was relieved by Garrett Rupp in the second half of the game. The final shootout lasted a full eight rounds with just three goals getting passed the goaltenders. Haeden Ellis was the lone scorer for Team White, while Roman Andreev and Ryder Roberson both connected to give Team Blue their second-straight shootout victory. Full Goal Scorers List:
Team White Team Blue
Michael Pacek Avry Anstis
Braden Reilly Jack LaBrash
Haeden Ellis Charlie Puglisi (PPG)
Tanner Lam  
Carson Vukelich  
Kaden Koutroulides  
Haeden Ellis  
Haeden Ellis  
___ Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLRangers. 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]]> Kitchener Rangers Sign Forward Braden Reilly to Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-sign-forward-braden-reilly-to-ontario-hockey-league-scholarship-and-development-agreement Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:47:59 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-sign-forward-braden-reilly-to-ontario-hockey-league-scholarship-and-development-agreement Kitchener, Ont. — The Kitchener Rangers are proud to announce that 2026 first-round pick Braden Reilly has signed an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Reilly was selected by the Rangers in the first round, 19th overall, in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. A forward from Milton, Ontario, Reilly spent last season with the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program, where he served as an assistant captain and established himself as one of the top players in his age group. “We were very excited to select Braden in the first round,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “He is a very talented player that can make plays and also use his shot and skill to put the puck in the net. We feel he has all the tools to be a top player in the age group and look forward to seeing him in a Ranger uniform.” Reilly, 16, born on May 12, 2010, is listed at five-foot-eleven and 157 pounds. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 30 games with the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA, while adding two goals and two assists for four points in four OHL Cup games. “Signing with Kitchener means so much to me,” said Reilly. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization and I can’t wait to get started.” Growing up attending Kitchener Rangers games at The Aud, Reilly now joins the organization he watched as a young fan. The Kitchener Rangers welcome Braden Reilly and his family to the organization. ___ Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLRangers. 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]]> Kitchener Rangers Sign Defenceman Dmitri Toporowski to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-sign-defenceman-dmitri-toporowski-to-ohl-scholarship-and-development-agreement Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:16:08 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-sign-defenceman-dmitri-toporowski-to-ohl-scholarship-and-development-agreement KITCHENER, ON – The Kitchener Rangers announced today that the club has signed defenceman Dmitri Toporowski to an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Toporowski, a 2006-born defenceman from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is listed at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds and shoots right. The 20-year-old joins the Rangers after spending the 2025-26 season with the Quad City Storm of the SPHL, where he recorded eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 45 games, along with 102 penalty minutes. He also spent time with the Rochester Jr. Americans (three games) in the NAHL and the Tulsa Oilers (three games) in the ECHL. “Dmitri will provide some stability and experience to our defence group,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager, Mike McKenzie. “He has had a unique path the last couple years and we think he can help provide some leadership and a solid two-way play to our group. We look forward to welcoming him to Kitchener.” Prior to his time in Quad City, Toporowski appeared in the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels during the 2024-25 season, following stops with the La Ronge Ice Wolves and Melfort Mustangs of the SJHL. Dmitri was drafted in the first round, 21st overall, by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2021 WHL US Prospect Draft and was also drafted in 2025 by the Rochester Jr. Americans in the sixth round, 199th overall in the NAHL Entry Draft. Dmitri is now the lone overage skater on the Kitchener Rangers roster for the 2026-27 season. “It’s an incredible opportunity to join a team that just won the Memorial Cup,” said Dmitri Toroprowski. “There’s obviously a winning standard in Kitchener, and I’m excited to be part of that. As a 20-year-old, I know I have a responsibility to lead by example, bring energy and experience every day, and help this group continue to compete for championships. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get to work.” The Kitchener Rangers welcome Dmitri Toporowski and his family to the organization. __
Join in the conversation on all things Rangers via social media by using the hashtag #RTown and #OHLRangers. 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 Hockey is Coming to Elmira on September 7 https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/rangers-hockey-is-coming-to-elmira-on-september-7 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:59:06 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/rangers-hockey-is-coming-to-elmira-on-september-7 2026 Fan Fest and Summer Showcase Details https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/2026-fan-fest-and-summer-showcase-details Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:53:05 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/2026-fan-fest-and-summer-showcase-details 2026 Training Camp Details Announced https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/2026-training-camp-dates-announced Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:01:53 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/2026-training-camp-dates-announced Rangers 2026-27 Individual Tickets On Sale August 24th https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/rangers-2026-27-individual-tickets-on-sale-august-24th Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:46:18 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/rangers-2026-27-individual-tickets-on-sale-august-24th Joe Birch named 2026 David Branch Leader of the Year https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-coo-joe-birch-named-2026-david-branch-leader-of-the-year Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:03:51 +0000 Alex Witherspoon https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-coo-joe-birch-named-2026-david-branch-leader-of-the-year