Rangers find extra gear against Colts, advance to semis
The Oakville Rangers advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 OHL Cup presented by FPA Payment, beating the Barrie Colts 3-1.
With nobody able to solve either goaltender through the first, Jonny Brooks (4) would break the deadlock with a goal off the faceoff as Oakville took the one-goal lead. Colts captain Logan Hawery (5) would respond quickly on the power play after picking the corner to score his fifth of the tournament.
Oakville would find an extra gear as they would score two goals in a minute and a half from Jaxson Harismowich (1) and Greg Najda (2) would give the Rangers a two-goal lead. Once ahead, the Rangers would lock it down defensively behind a 15-save performance from goaltender Jake Ceranic.
After losing to the Colts in their two previous matchups, this one felt a little extra special for the Rangers. Ceranic was proud of the way his team was able to play in a meaningful game, saying, “We lost to that team in the Marlies tournament and in OMHA’s, so this was a big game for us. We knew that it was going to be a big one coming in, and we gave it everything we got and pulled it out.”
“This is really big for our group. Our coaches all year talked about being in semifinals and finals of every big tournament. That’s what we’re we doing and we’re excited for a big game ahead,” said Ceranic. As Oakville will look ahead to the semifinals where they will face the North York Rangers in Semi-Final #1 at 6:00pm
Top OHL Priority Selection prospects Logan Hawery (5G, 3A) and Alex McLean (1G, 7A) led Barrie in scoring with eight points each as the Colts finished with a record of 4-1-0.
Zephyr Player of the Game
Oakville – Jake Ceranic (G) – 15 SV
Barrie – Logan Hawery (F) – 1G
