Kitchener Rangers - Feed

Rangers to Face Greyhounds in Round 2 of the OHL Playoffs

Cole Dow — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:29:55 +0000

Game Recap: Kitchener Rangers Earn 5-1 Game 4 Victory to Sweep Opening Round Series

Cole Dow — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:07:45 +0000

Saginaw, MI. – The Kitchener Rangers defeated the Saginaw Spirit 5-1 Thursday night to earn their fourth-straight victory and sweep their opening round series. This is the fifth-straight opening round that the Kitchener Rangers have won dating back to 2019. Kitchener scored four unanswered goals to open the game, three in the opening period alone. Sam O'Reilly opened the scoring after blocking a shot in the Rangers end and powering his way down the ice for a breakaway goal. Dylan Edwards got his first goal of the playoffs and quickly doubled down with a sweet power play goal to cap off a strong opening frame by the Blueshirts. The Rangers and Spirit traded goals in the middle frame, before Christian Humphreys sealed the victory with an empty net goal. Christian Kirsch remains perfect in goal for the Rangers improving to a 4-0-0-0 record with a 13-save performance. Scoring Summary: First Period KIT 1 – SAG 0 6:39 Sam O’Reilly (4) – Unassisted KIT 2 – SAG 0 - GWG 13:25 Dylan Edwards (1) – Cameron Arquette, Carson Campbell KIT 3 – SAG 0 – PPG 19:45 Dylan Edwards (2) – Christian Humphreys, Jack Pridham Second Period KIT 4 – SAG 0 17:42 Christian Humphreys (3) – Luca Romano KIT 4 – SAG 1 18:29 Dimian Zhilkin (3) – Nikita Klepov, Carson Harmer Third Period KIT 5 – SAG 1 – ENG 14:33 Christian Humphreys (4) – Jack Pridham The Numbers Game: Shots: KIT 42 – SAG 14 Power play: KIT 1/4 – SAG 1/5 FO%: KIT 69% – SAG 31% The Starting Goalies: Christian Kirsch (KIT) – 13/14 Saves, One Goal Against, Win Stepan Shurygin (SAG) – 37/41 Saves, Four Goals Against, Loss UP NEXT: The Kitchener Rangers await their Round 2 opponent which will be one of the Soo Greyhounds or London Knights who play a critical Game 5 in London Friday night. Details on tickets and dates will be announced on our website and across our social media platforms once approved by the OHL. For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

ROUND ONE GAME FOUR: Kitchener Rangers vs. Saginaw Spirit

Cole Dow — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:00:52 +0000

Saginaw, MI – Following a clutch overtime win in Game 3, the Kitchener Rangers will look to close out this opening round series against the Saginaw Spirit Thursday night. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Dow Event Center.

TV: RogersTV Channel 20 (Kitchener)
TV: Rogers Super Sports Pak 469 (Ontario)
Video Stream: Live on FloHockey
Radio: 570 NewsRadio Kitchener
Live Stats
Live Tweets

HEAD-TO-HEAD Game Three The Rangers started off Game 3 quickly with Matthew Andonovski scoring just 1:28 into the game. It was Andonovski's second goal of the series. James Guo responded later in the opening frame to tie the game to notch things up after 20. Alexander Bilecki gave the Blueshirts the lead with his first goal of the playoffs, yet it was Saginaw who scored the next two with Bode Stewart and Nikita Klepov each scoring their first of the playoffs. Gabe Chariot tied things up with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. 60 minutes proved to not be enough as the game would head to overtime for the first time in the series. It was Luca Romano who played hero as he fired in the game winner on a rebound in the slot on a shot from Alexander Bilecki. SCOUTING THE RANGERS (3-0-0-0) Luca Romano picked up his first two points of the series in game three. He assisted Andonovski's opening goal, as well as scoring the game winner in overtime. The Islanders 3rd round draft pick is looking to embark on a long playoff run, being a key contributor in Kitchener’s top 6. Romano was a key point getter in last years playoffs as he had 11 points in 16 games. Alexander Bilecki also picked up his first goal of the playoffs as he added a goal and an assist. Bilecki has progressed very well from his rookie year a season ago. He recorded 15 more points in the regular season and has already surpassed his point total from last years playoffs. The 2026 draft eligible defenceman looks to keep improving his draft stock as the Rangers look to move forward in the years playoffs. Matthew Andonovski picked up his second goal of the playoffs in the first few minutes of the game Tuesday night. The veteran defenceman has been a key addition since his return from Belleville (AHL) earlier in the season. He has already surpassed his goal total from last years playoff and will look to stay as a steady presence on the Ranger blueline for the remainder of the playoffs. Goaltending Christian Kirsch stood tall once again as he stopped 17 of the 20 shots he saw. Kirsch’s important play held the Spirit to only one power play goal in five attempts. The San Jose Sharks draft pick is spotting a 2.25 GAA and a .881 save percentage through the first three games of the playoffs. SCOUTING THE SPIRIT (0-2-1-0) Egor Barabanov continues to be an important factor for the Spirit. He leads the Spirit in points with 4 (1G, 3A) in three games. He picked up a pair of helpers for Saginaw. Nikita Klepov found the back of the net for the first time this series. The OHL points leader has been contained by a strong Ranger defence, but has still be able to produce 4 points (1G, 3A) in the three games thus far. Levi Harper continues to be the steady force on the back end for the Spirit. The rookie defenceman who led all rookie defenceman in points has recorded 3 points (1G, 2A) through three games, he picked up his 2nd assist on a power play goal from Klepov. Goaltending Stepan Shurygin turned away a flurry of shots from the Ranger offence. The Rangers topped their Game 1 and Game 2 shot total by throwing 54 shots at the Russian netminder. Shurygin recorded 50 saves in Game 3 bringing his save total to 107 through three games. Broadcast Coverage: Thursday night’s game against the will be televised on Rogers TV (Channel 20). It can be watched across the province of Ontario on the Super Sports Pak on channel 469 for cable subscribers. The game will be streamed live online on FloHockey. Additionally, fans can listen to action on the radio on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener. UP NEXT: Should Saginaw win Game 4 and extend the series, Game 5 will be played back in Kitchener Friday night. Puck drop would be set for 7:00. p.m. at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Game Recap: Luca Romano Scores OT Winner To Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead

Cole Dow — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:06:51 +0000

Saginaw, MI. – Luca Romano and the Kitchener Rangers score on their 54th shot of the game to sink the Spirit in overtime and take a 3-0 series lead. Stepan Shurygin did his best in the Saginaw goal to keep the Kitchener Rangers off the board with a 50-save effort. Kitchener led on two occasions, first opening the scoring 88 seconds into the contest through Matthew Andnovoski's second marker of the postseason and then midway through the second period, Alexander Bilecki opened his scoring account with his first of the playoffs. Both Kitchener goals through 40 minutes of play came from the backend. James Guo and Bode Stewart had responses for the home side as the game was tied 2-2 after the second period. On their fifth power play opportunity of the game, Saginaw took their first lead of the game with 16:29 to play in regulation. Nikita Klepov let a one-time shot rip from the right face-off dot for his first goal on the playoffs. Saginaw held the lead for a while, until Gabriel Chiarot threw a seeing eye shot on net from the point to tie the game 3-3 with just over five minutes to play in regulation. In the overtime frame, the Rangers took their game to the Spirit, holding them without a shot. Then, at the 6:39 mark of the extra frame, Luca Romano jumped on a rebound in the slot to bury the game winner and hand Kitchener their third win of the series. Scoring Summary: First Period KIT 1 – SAG 0 1:28 Matthew Andonovski (2) – Luca Romano KIT 1 – SAG 1 14:54 James Guo (1) – Nikita Klepov Second Period KIT 2 – SAG 1 8:23 Alexander Bilecki (1) – Tanner Lam, Haeden Ellis KIT 2 – SAG 2 18:25 Bode Stewart (1) – Egor Barabanov, James Guo Third Period KIT 2 – SAG 3 – PPG 3:31 Nikita Klepov (1) – Egor Barbanov, Levi Harper KIT 3 – SAG 3 14:21 Gabriel Chiarot (2) – Carson Campbell, Cameron Reid Overtime KIT 4 – SAG 3 – GWG 6:39 Luca Romano (1) – Alexander Bilecki, Christian Humphreys The Numbers Game: Shots: KIT 54 – SAG 20 Power play: KIT 0/4 – SAG 1/5 FO%: KIT 59% - SAG 41% The Starting Goalies: Christian Kirsch (KIT) – 17/20 Saves, Three Goals Against, Win Stepan Shurygin (SAG) – 50/54 Saves, Four Goals Against, Loss UP NEXT: After facing the Spirit in Game 3 on Tuesday, the Rangers will remain on the road for Game 4 at the Dow Event Centre on Thursday, April 2nd. Puck drop on Thursday is set for 7:05 p.m. For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

ROUND ONE GAME THREE: Kitchener Rangers vs. Saginaw Spirit

Cole Dow — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:39:24 +0000

Saginaw, MI – After a successful opening weekend, the Kitchener Rangers head to the Dow Event Centre in Saginaw for Games 3 and 4 with a 2-0 series lead. Kitchener will look to extend their series lead against the Spirit tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.

TV: RogersTV Channel 20 (Kitchener)
TV: Rogers Super Sports Pak 471 (Ontario)
Video Stream: Live on FloHockey
Radio: 570 NewsRadio Kitchener
Live Stats
Live Tweets

HEAD-TO-HEAD Game 2: It was a dominant night at the Aud for the Rangers, as they shut out the Spirit with a 4-0 win. The first two periods went scoreless, with neither team able to find the back of the net. Less than a minute into the third, Sam O’Reilly opened the scoring, marking his third goal in two games. Just two minutes later, Gabriel Chiarot added another to give Kitchener a 2-0 lead. The momentum continued as Tanner Lam got on the board four minutes later, and Cameron Reid sealed the victory with a goal late in the game, collecting his second goal in two games. SCOUTING THE RANGERS (2-0-0-0) Rangers to Watch: Gabriel Chiarot joined the team midway through the season in a trade with the Brampton Steelheads. This postseason marks his third playoff appearance. Across those runs, Chiarot has played 11 games and recorded two goals. His goal on Sunday came unassisted and served as an insurance marker, highlighting his ability to create scoring chances on his own. With his consistent performance throughout the season and a strong start in Game 2, Chiarot is expected to be a key contributor for Kitchener in this playoff race. Carson Campbell also played an important role in the game, contributing an assist and earning first star honours. His assist came on Sam O’Reilly’s game-winning goal. This is Campbell’s second postseason and in just two games this year, he has already matched and surpassed his production from last season, recording a pair of assists. The shutdown defenceman continues to provide strong support on both ends of the ice, showing clear progress and impact early in the playoffs. Dylan Edwards picked up his two first points of the playoffs, recording an assist on both of Sam O’Reilly’s and Cameron Reid’s goals. Edwards is playing in his third OHL playoffs, having recorded over a point per game in both previous experiences. He recorded nine points in six games in 2024 and fifteen in nine games in 2025. Tanner Lam recorded his first playoff goal this year after a strong regular season where he had 48 points in 67 games. The Ranger forward also had a strong playoff run last year with 8 points in 16 games. Lam looks to be a strong contributor on the scoresheet as well as a leader with experience as this is also his third career playoff appearance. Goaltending: Kirsch In the crease for the Kitchener Rangers, Christian Kirsch delivered a standout performance on Sunday, recording his first career playoff shutout in Game 2. Kirsch turned aside all 14 shots he faced and currently ranks seventh among goaltenders this postseason, posting a .897 save percentage and a 2.00 goals against average through two games. SCOUTING THE SPIRIT (0-2-0-0) Spirit to Watch: Egor Barabanov finished second in scoring for the Saginaw Spirit during the regular season. Although he didn’t register a point in Game 2, Barabanov made an impact in Game 1, recording a goal and an assist. In his first OHL season, this marks his first appearance in the playoffs. After a strong start, he’ll look to continue producing as Saginaw heads into Game 3. Nikita Klepov led the team in points during the regular season and finished atop the league standings. It’s an impressive achievement, especially in his first OHL season, just like Barabanov. Klepov recorded two assists in Game 1 but has yet to find the back of the net. He’ll be aiming to make an even bigger impact as the series continues. Saginaw captain, Dimian Zhilkin recorded two goals and an assist in Game 1, earning him second star honours. Goaltending: Shurygin In net, Stepan Shurygin faced 27 shots from the Kitchener Rangers on Sunday, turning aside 23 of them in a busy night between the pipes. While he made several key saves early on, the pressure from Kitchener in the third period proved difficult to handle, as Shurygin finished with a .852 save percentage and a 4.00 goals-against average. BROADCAST COVERAGE Tuesday night's game will be televised on Rogers TV (Channel 20). It can also be watched across the province of Ontario on the Rogers Super Sports Pak 471 for cable subscribers. All games will be streamed live online on FloHockey. Additionally, fans can listen to action on the radio on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener. UP NEXT: After facing the Spirit in Game 3 on Tuesday in Saginaw, the Rangers will remain on the road for Game 4 at the Dow Event Centre on Thursday, April 2nd. Puck drop on Thursday is set for 7:05 p.m. For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

ROUND ONE, GAME TWO PREVIEW: Kitchener Rangers VS. Saginaw Spirit

Cole Dow — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:24:21 +0000

Kitchener, ON – Opening the first round of the 2026 OHL playoffs with a win over the Saginaw Spirit on Friday, Kitchener will try to keep that momentum going tonight and take a 2-0 series advantage. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

TV: RogersTV Channel 20 (Kitchener)
TV: Rogers Super Sports Pak 470
Video Stream: OHL Live on CHL TV
Radio: 570 NewsRadio Kitchener
Live Stats
Live Tweets

PLAYOFF TICKETS Tickets for Games 2 are on sale now. You can purchase yours online here. Fans can also call 519-578-1570, or you can purchase tickets in person at The Aud Box Office, sponsored by White Way Plumbing, located at 400 East Avenue in Kitchener. Box Office hours may differ over the holiday weekend; find hours here. HEAD-TO-HEAD Game 1: In the opening game of this new playoff campaign, the Kitchener Rangers struck first, opening the scoring in the first period. Saginaw responded in the second, finding the back of the net three times to take a 3-2 lead. Saginaw took the lead less than a minute after the Rangers had tied the game at 2-2. The third period belonged to Kitchener, as the Rangers tied the game before adding three more goals to secure a 6-4 victory in Game 1 of the 2025-26 OHL Playoffs. Sam O’Reilly and Christian Humphreys each scored twice for the Rangers, while Dimian Zhilkin matched the effort with two goals for Saginaw. SCOUTING THE RANGERS (1-0-0-0) Rangers to Watch: Sam O’Reilly entered Game 1 of the playoffs on a high note, scoring twice and adding a helper in Kitchener’s opening win. Since joining the Rangers following the January 9th trade deadline, the forward has taken on a significant role and delivered consistent performances. Now in his third OHL playoff run, O’Reilly continues to build on an impressive postseason resume. Game 1 marked his 37th career playoff appearance, where he also recorded his 37th point, including his 14th goal and 23rd assist. He continues to be the OHL's playoff point leader amongst all active players. Matthew Andonovski also made an impact, scoring the game’s final insurance goal into an empty net to secure the win. The Ottawa Senators prospect picked up his first point early in the 2026 playoffs and will look to build on that performance tonight. As it’s his fifth OHL postseason, Andonovski brings experience and stability to the Rangers’ blue line. Over 37 playoff games, the defenceman has recorded five points (1G, 4A) while continuing to provide a reliable presence on the back end. Goaltending: Kirsch Between the pipes, Christian Kirsch put in a solid effort in Game 1, allowing four goals on 25 shots. He finished the night with a .840 save percentage and a 4.00 goals-against average, The San Jose Sharks prospect is currently appearing in his first OHL postseason. SCOUTING THE SPIRIT (0-1-0-0) Spirit to Watch: After a productive regular season, Dimian Zhilkin opened the playoffs strong, earning second star honours in Game 1 with two goals and one assist. Now in his second OHL postseason, Zhilkin is already making a bigger impact than last year, when he recorded two assists in five games. With that experience behind him, this playoff run carries added importance, and his opening performance shows he’s ready to step up. Through one game, Zhilkin leads the Spirit in playoff production, ahead of teammates who also contributed in Friday’s matchup, including Nikita Klepov (2A), Levi Harper (1G, 1A), and Egor Barabanov (1G, 1A). Levi Harper played a key role in Game 1. His goal came unassisted, and he also picked up a helper on one of Zhilkin’s tallies. As a rookie defenceman, Harper is making an immediate impact in his first OHL postseason, showing confidence early on. With a performance like that, he’s already proving he can be a difference-maker for the Spirit. Goaltending: Shurygin Stepan Shurygin has been a standout all season, and despite the Game 1 loss, he delivered a strong performance, turning aside 34 of 39 shots. He closed the game with a .872 save percentage and a 5.13 goals-against average. Like Kirsch, Shurygin is in his rookie season, making this his first OHL playoff appearance. RANGERS REACH Rangers Reach is back for another exciting season of great Rangers hockey and Huge JACKPOTS! You could be the next winner of our Jackpot draw or consolation prize draw of a $200 The Keg Waterloo Gift Card! Buy now! or text WIN to 95050 (Std Msg & Data Rates may apply) Also, back for another season is the Rangers Reach Authentic Jersey Raffle! Get your tickets online or on the concourse at tonight’s game!  Rangers Reach 50/50 supports local minor sports organizations, numerous social agencies, charities, and education related programs. Proceeds from Rangers Reach 50/50 also help support our community. BROADCAST COVERAGE Sunday’s games played in Kitchener will be televised on Rogers TV (Channel 20). It can be watched across the province of Ontario on the Rogers Super Sports Pak Channel 470 for cable subscribers. All games will be streamed live online on FloHockey. Additionally, fans can listen to action on the radio on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener. UP NEXT: After Sunday’s Game 2, the Rangers will head to the Dow Event Centre for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, March 31st and Thursday, April 2nd. Puck drop on Tuesday is set for 7:05 p.m. For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

ROUND ONE SERIES PREVIEW: KITCHENER RANGERS VS. SAGINAW SPIRIT

Cole Dow — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:05:40 +0000

Kitchener, ON – The Kitchener Rangers open their chase for the Ross Robertson Cup with a first-round matchup with the Saginaw Spirit. The best-of-seven series gets underway Friday, March 27th at The Aud. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. The opening round is presented by Tim Horton's.

TV: RogersTV Channel 20 (Kitchener)
TV: Rogers Super Sports Pak (Channel’s to Vary)
Video Stream: OHL Live on CHL TV
Radio: 570 NewsRadio Kitchener
Live Stats
Live Tweets

SCHEDULE: Game 1: Friday, March 27th at Kitchener, 7:00 p.m. Game 2: Sunday, March 29th at Kitchener, 7:00 p.m. Game 3: Tuesday, March 31st at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m. Game 4: Thursday, April 2nd at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m. Game 5: Friday, April 3rd at Kitchener, 7:00 p.m.* Game 6: Monday, April 6th at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m.* Game 7: Tuesday, April 7th at Kitchener, 7:00 p.m.* (*If necessary, Rangers home game is bolded) PLAYOFF TICKETS Tickets for Games 1 and 2 are on sale now. You can purchase yours online here. Fans can also call 519-578-1570, or you can purchase tickets in person at The Aud Box Office, sponsored by White Way Plumbing, located at 400 East Avenue in Kitchener. Box Office hours may differ over the holiday weekend; find hours here. HEAD-TO-HEAD This Season: The Rangers and Spirit met four times during the 2025-26 regular season, with Kitchener coming out on top in all four matchups, including two wins on the road. Three of those victories came in regulation, each by a margin of at least two goals, while the lone remaining game was decided in a shootout. The Rangers were dominant offensively, outscoring Saginaw 20-11 across the season series. Their last regular season meeting came on Friday, January 16th, when the Rangers secured a 7-4 win at the Aud. Heading into the playoffs, both teams showed solid form down the stretch. The Rangers went 7-2-1-0 over their final 10 regular-season games, while the Spirit posted a 5-4-1-0 record. Playoff History: This playoff series marks the eleventh-straight postseason appearance for the Rangers, while the Spirit are back in the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Last season, Kitchener opened the 2025 OHL playoffs with a dominant first round defeating the Flint Firebirds in five games. They followed that up with a historical comeback against the Windsor Spitfires, erasing a 3-0 series deficit and winning game seven in overtime. For the second straight year, the Rangers ran into the eventual J. Ross Robertson Cup champions, the London Knights, and were eliminated in four games, ending their playoff run in the third round. Saginaw, meanwhile, faced the Erie Otters in the opening round and were defeated in five games. This year’s opening-round series between Kitchener and Saginaw marks their first postseason encounter since 2010 in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Playoffs. That series also took place in the opening round with Kitchener as the three-seed and Saginaw as the six-seed and saw the Blueshirts win in six games. Regular Season Special Teams: Kitchener Overall Power Play: 4th in the OHL at 26.1% Home Power Play: 2nd in the OHL at 29.5% Overall Penalty Kill: 2nd in the OHL at 81.1% Home Penalty Kill: 4th in the OHL at 82.4% Saginaw Overall Power Play: 5th in the OHL at 25.7% Away Power Play: 2nd in the OHL at 30.6% Overall Penalty Kill: 17th in the OHL at 75.2% Away Penalty Kill: 9th in the OHL at 77.5% SCOUTING THE RANGERS (48-14-4-2) First in the Western Conference, Second in the OHL Rangers Roster: The Rangers reached the 100-point mark for just the fifth time in franchise history and reached that milestone in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history. The club finished second in the league in points (101), win percentage (.743), and goals against (179). The Kitchener Rangers have a loaded roster of NHL drafted talent. Among twelve players drafted to the NHL, five were selected in the 2025 NHL Draft: Gabriel Chiarot (Vancouver Canucks), Matthew Hlacar (Toronto Maple Leafs), Andrew MacNiel (Montreal Canadians), Cameron Reid (Nashville Predators), and Luca Romano (New York Islanders). The other six players were taken in 2024: Luke Ellinas (Ottawa Senators), Christian Humphreys (Colorado Avalanche), Christian Kirsch (San Jose Sharks), Sam O’Reilly (Tampa Bay Lightning via EDM), Jack Pridham (Chicago Blackhawks), and Jared Woolley (Los Angeles Kings). Matthew Andonovski (Ottawa Senators) was selected in 2023. Rangers to Watch: All eyes will be on Jack Pridham, who led the Rangers in both goals and points during the regular season, setting new career highs with 46 goals, 44 assists, and 90 points. Pridham heads into the postseason red hot, putting up nine points (7G, 2A) over his last six games. The forward has proven he can produce in the playoffs, recording 13 points in 16 career postseason games. Against Saginaw this season, he was especially effective, tallying nine points (7G, 2A) in four games and scoring in three of those matchups. On the backend, Cameron Reid has been a key piece in his third season. He led all Rangers defensemen with 15 goals, 41 assists, and 56 points, while also topping the team in power play assists (24) and plus/minus (+25). His 56-point campaign ranked sixth amongst OHL defencemen. Reid brings playoff experience as well, appearing in 24 postseason games over the past two years, registering ten assists. He closed out the 2025-26 regular season strong with six points in his final six games and added four points in three meetings against Saginaw. Goaltending: Kirsch Christian Kirsch has been a steadying force all season for the Kitchener Rangers. The San Jose Sharks prospect notched a 27-10-2-1 record, with a 2.42 goals-against average, and a .899 save percentage across 41 games in his rookie season. He was the top ranked goal in goals saved above expected (25.7), ten more than the next closest goaltender. Kirsch now heads into his first OHL playoffs. SCOUTING THE SPIRIT (26-34-4-4) Seventh in the Western Conference, 15th in the OHL Spirit Roster: Saginaw claimed the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 26-34-4-4 record, good for 60 points. Saginaw won the Memorial cup just a few years ago and has had a lot of turnover since then. Just one player remains from that team. James Guo. The Spirit have one active player drafted to the NHL. Jacob Cloutier (Winnipeg Jets) was selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Spirit to Watch: Nikita Klepov wrapped up an impressive rookie season with Saginaw, finishing strong with 10 points (2G, 8A) over his final six games heading into his first OHL Playoffs. He emerged as a key offensive driver for the Spirit, leading the team in points (97), while also tying for the team lead in goals (37) and game-winning goals (5). Klepov ranks second in assists (60) and lead the Spirit in first goals (5), showing his ability to set the tone early in games. Against Kitchener this season, he registered five points (2G, 3A) in four matchups, making him a player to watch in this opening-round series. Egor Barabanov is ranked as high as 42nd amongst North American skaters in this year's upcoming draft by NHL Central Scouting. The 19 year old had a breakout first year in the OHL as he finished 4th in the league with 91 points scoring 28 goals and having 63 assists adding to the lethal top line for Saginaw. On the blue line, James Guo closed out the regular season in strong form, collecting seven points (2G, 5A) over his final six games, including a standout five-point performance. Now in his fifth OHL season since 2021-22, and third full campaign with Saginaw, Guo continues to develop offensively, finishing the year with 39 points (8G, 31A), doubling his production earlier in his career. He gained his first playoff experience in 2023 and has recorded three assists in 24 postseason games. Guo also added two assists against Kitchener this season. Goaltending: Shurygin Stepan Shurygin carried the bulk on the workload for Saginaw, appearing in 59 games during the regular season. He finished with a 24-27-3-4 record, a 3.79 goals-against average, and a .888 save percentage. This postseason will mark his first appearance in the OHL Playoffs. RANGERS REACH Rangers Reach is back for another exciting season of great Rangers hockey and Huge JACKPOTS! You could be the next winner of our Jackpot draw or consolation prize draw of a $200 The Keg Waterloo Gift Card! Buy now! or text WIN to 95050 (Std Msg & Data Rates may apply) Also, back for another season is the Rangers Reach Authentic Jersey Raffle! In addition to our Authentic Jersey main prize, we’ve added a Consolation Prize of a Special Issue RANGERS Jersey to the draw! Each Ticket purchase now has a chance to win one of TWO prizes! Get your tickets online or on the concourse at tonight’s game!  Rangers Reach 50/50 supports local minor sports organizations, numerous social agencies, charities, and education related programs. Proceeds from Rangers Reach 50/50 also help support our community. BROADCAST COVERAGE Games played in Kitchener will be televised on Rogers TV (Channel 20). It can be watched across the province of Ontario on the Rogers Super Sports Pak for cable subscribers. All games will be streamed live online on FloHockey. Additionally, fans can listen to action on the radio on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener. UP NEXT: After the Rangers open the OHL Playoffs on home ice for Game 1 on Friday, March 27th, they’ll wrap up the weekend on Sunday, March 29th, for Game 2 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. The club will then head to Saginaw for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, March 31st and Thursday, April 2nd, at Dow Event Center. For media inquiries, contact: Luca Lombardi Manager, Communications and Community Relations Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (416) 885-4510 llombardi@kitchenerrangers.com

Rangers Reach Announces OHL Record-Breaking 50/50 Jackpot: $149,540 Winner!

Cole Dow — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:06:59 +0000

Kitchener, ON - The Kitchener Rangers and Rangers Reach are excited to celebrate a historic milestone in Ontario Hockey League history. The 2026 Mega Jackpot reached an incredible take-home prize of $149, 540, setting a new league 50/50 record! Congratulations to Melissa (middle) from Waterloo on the big win, who is pictured alongside Rangers Reach Executive Director Craig Campbell (left) and Former Hockey Insider Bob McKenize (right)! Melissa purchased 50/50 tickets online when the Mega Jackpot draw first opened, but it was the ticket she bought at the Aud on March 1st when the Rangers took on the London Knights that turned out to be her life-changing ticket! Proceeds from the Mega Jackpot support Rangers Reach initiatives across the Waterloo Region including one-time grants, major funding commitments, player-led initiatives, and community scholarships. We would like to extend a huge thank you to our presenting sponsor Arnold Hearing, our dedicated sellers, the organizations that generously contributed, and our amazing Rangers fans. The success of the Mega Jackpot would not be possible without you! Your continued support is what drives meaningful impact in our community! With the playoffs heating up, the excitement isn’t over; amazing 50/50 prizes are still to come, and you could be our next big winner! For more information on Rangers Reach 50/50, click here ___ 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

Rangers to face Spirit in Round 1 of the OHL Playoffs

Cole Dow — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:54:31 +0000

Sam O’Reilly Named OHL Top Performer of the Month for March

Cole Dow — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:10:58 +0000

TORONTO – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced Top Performers of the Month for regular season games played in the month of March. O'Reilly joins Jack Pridham (January) as the second Kitchener Ranger to earn Player of the Month honours this season. Player of the Month – Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers) – 8 GP, 5G, 14A, 19 PTS., +12 Leading the OHL with 19 points in the month of March, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers claims top honours, helping the Blueshirts secure first place in the Western Conference standings. O’Reilly had points in all eight of his March outings, including two different five-point showings with the first as a result of two goals and three assists in a 6-3 road win over Sarnia on Mar. 4th and the second a 6-2 victory over Flint on Mar. 17th. The dependable pivot was 60 percent in the faceoff circle throughout the month of March, and registered at least six shots on goal in five of his eight outings. A 19-year-old from Toronto, O’Reilly posted 43 points (17-26–43) over 28 games after being acquired by Kitchener at the OHL trade deadline. His 2025-26 season included 71 points (29-42–71) over 56 games between the Rangers and rival London Knights. A back-to-back OHL champion who hoisted the Memorial Cup last spring, O’Reilly was a first round (32nd overall) pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2024, and was dealt to Tampa Bay in a July 2025 trade that saw the Oilers acquire forward Isaac Howard. The 6-foot-1, 190Ib. O’Reilly has accumulated 198 points (77-121–198) over 191 career OHL regular season games since being London’s second round (37th overall) pick in 2022. He was a World Junior bronze medalist with Canada this past January, and fared well in last week’s OHL Coaches Poll, placing first in three different categories. Defenceman of the Month – Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs) – 8 GP, 4G, 6A, 10 PTS., +9 St. Louis Blues prospect Adam Jiricek is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for the second time this season, producing 10 points over eight games on the Brantford Bulldogs blueline to help them secure an OHL regular season title. Jiricek opened the month of March with two goals in a 5-3 Bulldogs road win over the Barrie Colts on Mar. 5th. He netted the deciding goal in last Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over the Niagara IceDogs, finishing the game with a goal and two assists. He added a goal and assist on Friday, helping the Bulldogs capture the Hamilton Spectator Trophy with a 6-5 win over North Bay. A 19-year-old from Plzen, Czechia, Jiricek finished his second OHL campaign with 59 points (19-40–59) over 55 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-31. The 6-foot-3, 185Ib. defender helped the Bulldogs put together the OHL’s top-ranked power play, scoring nine of his 19 goals on the man advantage. Jiricek was selected by St. Louis in the first round (16th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, and was chosen by the Bulldogs with the 19th overall pick of the 2023 CHL Import Draft. Jiricek was a World Junior silver medalist with Czechia this past January after winning bronze medals in both 2024 and 2025. Goaltender & Rookie of the Month – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) – 4-1-0-1, 1.48 GAA, .946 SV%, 2 SO, 157 SV Ottawa 67’s standout Ryder Fetterolf is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for March, while earning Rookie of the Month honours for the second time this season. The first-year netminder capped off a great season with a pair of March shutouts, turning aside 28 shots in a 5-0 road win over Sarnia on Mar. 1st before later making 26 saves in a 6-0 road win over Niagara, setting a new OHL record for most shutouts in a season by a rookie with a league-leading six. Fetterolf also turned in a first star performance to help the 67’s win an Eastern Conference showdown in Barrie, making 39 saves in a 3-2 overtime win on Mar. 12th. An 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Fetterolf is this year’s FW ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy recipient with a league-best 2.07 goals-against average over 41 games. He played to a record of 29-9-2-1 with a .923 save percentage as the Barber Poles set a new franchise record with just 160 goals allowed. A free agent signing by Ottawa last summer, Fetterolf is committed to Penn State University (NCAA).

2025-26 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
March – Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers) February – Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds) January – Jack Pridham (Kitchener Rangers)
December – Riley Patterson (Niagara IceDogs)
November – Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds)
October – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
March – Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs) February – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts) January – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts)
December – Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs)
October – Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires)

Goaltender of the Month:
March – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) February – Zachary Jovanovski (Guelph Storm) January – Carter George (Soo Greyhounds)
December – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
November – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
October – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Rookie of the Month:
March – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) February – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) January – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs)
November – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit)

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