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The locker room has been cleared out and the Kitchener Rangers head their separate ways for the summer.
It has been an interesting year on the Rangers's beat. Read about my adventures on the road, at the Aud and covering th club here.
I also ranked the OHL rinks after visiting each one during the season. My favourite? Sault Ste. Marie. Least favourite? Niagara.
Finally, check out the month by month breakdown of notable achievements and news surrounding the club.
Kitchener Rangers goalie John Gibson was named team playoff MVP today.
The official title is the Charles Chalkin Memorial Trophy.
Gibson started every game in the post-season for the Rangers.
Past winners:
2011-12, John Gibson
2010-11, Jerry D'Amigo
2009-10, Dan Kelly, Jeff Skinner
2007-08, Josh Unice
2007-08, Steve Downie
2005-06, Cory Konecny
2004-05, Michael Richards
2003-04, Nathan O`Nabigon
2002-03, Gregory Campbell
2001-02, Marcus Smith
2000-01, N/A
1999-00, Bill Browne
1998-99, N/A
1997-98, Ryan Milanovic
1996-97, David Belitski/ Ryan Pepperall
1995-96, David Belitski
1994-95, David Belitski
1993-94, Norm Dezainde
1992-93, Todd Warriner
1991-92, Tyler Ertel, Chris LiPuma, Mike Torchia
1990-91, Jason Firth
1989-90, Shayne Stevenson
1988-89, Kirk Tomlinson
1987-88, Gus Morschauser
1986-87, Ed Kister
1985-86, Dave Latta
1984-85, Joel Brown
1983-84, John Tucker
1982-83, Mike Eagles
1981-82, Brian Bellows
1980-81, Wendell Young
1979-80, N/A
1978-79, Dave Jennings
1977-78, Don Maloney
1976-77, Paul Reinhart
1975-76, Dwight Foster
Thought I'd throw up a photo showing some better times in wake of last night's season ending loss.
It's an off-day for the Kitchener Rangers.
The players are back at Sportsworld tomorrow to clean out their lockers, have exit interviews and bid farewell for the summer.
Hear from captain Michael Catenacci about the year that was here.
The view from London has the Knights defence stepping up in the post-season.
It's the first time in six years the Knights have been back to the OHL final.
That's it folks.
A 4-2 loss in Game 4 to the London Knights and it's season over.
The clincher didn't come without its drama. Two late goals made it interesting, but it was too little too late.
So London moves on to face Niagara or Ottawa and the Rangers begin to filter back to their respective homes.
Some thoughts on tonight's game:
- Both Mark Hunter and Steve Spott acknowledged that the Knights' come-from-behind win in Game 2 was the momentum shifter in the series. Kitchener was winning 4-2, but lost 6-4.
- I realize not all shots are quality, but it's tough to win when you give up 50 shots, like Kitchener did tonight.
- The loss marked the last game for captain Michael Catenacci, who graciously thanked the team, fans and teammates. Last one for Cody Sol and Tyler Randell as well.
- Spott said he figures Catenacci will be a captain on an AHL team one day and knock on the door of the NHL. Catenacci said he had no prospects beyond the Rangers, at this time.
- Spott also said that fans booed Cody Sol last year and was happy to see supporters evolve. Sol's play also evolved nicely.
- For Randell, Spott said that four goal game to clinch Game 7 vs. Plymouth was vintage hockey.
- Sol wasn't quick to leave the rink. He walked out on the ice in his suit after the game for one last look around.
- The future is bright, so says Spott and Catenacci. New roles for young players. Josh Sterk, Brent Pedersen, Radek Faksa, this team is now yours.
- London players were rocking OHL west final champion hats after the big win. Credit the Knights. It's not easy to sweep a team in the final.
As for me, it has been a fun, but long, year. Just because the season is over, doesn't mean the blogs and news is going to stop. In fact, in a lot of ways, it's only beginning.
The NHL draft is on the horizon, off-season moves will likely be made and next year's squad is open for discussion.
I'll be sitting down with Spott for a post-mortem once the emotions of the loss subside. Got some good questions for what should be an exciting year ahead.
JB's final top three Rangers: John Gibson, Ryan Murphy, Cody Sol
Photo Gallery
That's it folks.
A 4-2 loss in Game 4 to the London Knights and it's season over.
The clincher didn't come without its drama. Two late goals made it interesting, but it was too little too late.
So London moves on to face Niagara or Ottawa and the Rangers begin to filter back to their respective homes.
Some thoughts on tonight's game:
- Both Mark Hunter and Steve Spott acknowledged that the Knights' come-from-behind win in Game 2 was the momentum shifter in the series. Kitchener was winning 4-2, but lost 6-4.
- I realize not all shots are quality, but it's tough to win when you give up 50 shots, like Kitchener did tonight.
- The loss marked the last game for captain Michael Catenacci, who graciously thanked the team, fans and teammates. Last one for Cody Sol and Tyler Randell as well.
- Spott said he figures Catenacci will be a captain on an AHL team one day and knock on the door of the NHL. Catenacci said he had no prospects beyond the Rangers, at this time.
- Spott also said that fans booed Cody Sol last year and was happy to see supporters evolve. Sol's play also evolved nicely.
- For Randell, Spott said that four goal game to clinch Game 7 vs. Plymouth was vintage hockey.
- Sol wasn't quick to leave the rink. He walked out on the ice in his suit after the game for one last look around.
- The future is bright, so says Spott and Catenacci. New roles for young players. Josh Sterk, Brent Pedersen, Radek Faksa, this team is now yours.
- London players were rocking OHL west final champion hats after the big win. Credit the Knights. It's not easy to sweep a team in the final.
As for me, it has been a fun, but long, year. Just because the season is over, doesn't mean the blogs and news is going to stop. In fact, in a lot of ways, it's only beginning.
The NHL draft is on the horizon, off-season moves will likely be made and next year's squad is open for discussion.
I'll be sitting down with Spott for a post-mortem once the emotions of the loss subside. Got some good questions for what should be an exciting year ahead.
JB's final top three Rangers: John Gibson, Ryan Murphy, Cody Sol
Anybody have this guy's number?
The Kitchener Rangers sure need it. The team lost 5-2 last night and is in a hole, down 3-0 to London.
Yes, a monumental task lies ahead. Not only do the Rangers have to rally and win four straight games, they have to do it against the OHL's top rated team.
If you're looking for recent precedent, it's not out there. The best is 2005 when Kitchener fell behind 0-2 to Erie before winning four straight to take the series.
Oh, and this should make fans feel better - London sniper Greg McKegg (nine points, 10 playoff games) is close to returning. The forward has missed the entire series with an upper body injury and could be back for Friday's game, if the series lasts that long.
And the length of the west final will depend on what the Rangers do tonight at the Aud. Game time is 7 p.m.
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Line combos:
Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Lorentz-Faksa-Ming
Sterk-Crescenzi-Randell
Pedersen-Meighan-Grant
Sol-Murphy
Iafrate-Fanelli
Genovese-Young
Gibson
London:
Ferry-Namestnikov-Griffith
M. Rupert-R. Rupert-Knight
Domi-Watson-Athanasiou
Horvat-Tierney-Anderson
Harrington-Tinordi
Maatta-Hughes
Cook-Raine
Houser
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A big night set for the JLC.
Over in London, the talk is about the team's depth. Meanwhile, hear from Cody Sol, Steve Spott and Mark Hunter on why Kitchener is having problems closing out games this post-season.
You could almost make the argument that Kitchener has won four out of seven periods of play (one OT) this series. That's how close the team is to being up 2-0 or tied 1-1.
But London has to feel good being at home for a huge game. As usual, check back here leading up to the start time for line combos and more goodies.
By the way, did anyone catch Mark Visentin's goal for the Niagara IceDogs last night?
Talked to backup Franky Palazzese before tonight's tilt. He has never scored a goal in a game.
"I’ve been thinking about it for a long time," said Palazzese. "When I saw it, I thought it was awesome. He has more goals than some guys in the playoffs right now."
Some OHL news, the league has suspended Ottawa 67's Marc Zanetti for the balance of the playoffs for kicking a player in the eastern conference final. If Ottawa moves on to the Memorial Cup, the team can apply to get him back in the lineup.
Ottawa trails Niagara 2-1, so that means at worst, it's a 13 game suspension. Zanetti has already missed two games.
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Line combos:
Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Lorentz-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Randell
Sterk-Meighan-Francisco
Sol-Murphy
Iafrate-Fanelli
Genovese-Young
Gibson
London:
Ferry-Namestnikov-Griffith
M. Rupert-R. Rupert-Knight
Domi-Watson-Athanasiou
Horvat-Tierney-Anderson
Harrington-Tinordi
Maatta-Hughes
Cook-Raine
Houser
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Puck points:
- Kitchener finally gets some secondary scoring and the scorching first line is shut down.
- That was the worst first period of the playoffs for the Rangers. First goal was one Gibson has 99 times out of 100. The second goal came off a brutal line change, three Rangers skated off with the Knights hovering on Kitchener's blue line.
- Consensus in London was that this one was lucky to be 5-2.
- Olli Maatta pots two in 22 seconds. On the first one: "I couldn't have shot it better." On the second, "I think it was pretty lucky."
- The crazy thing about this game? Kitchener was in it until the end despite being severely out played. A failed 5-on-3 power play in the second period, that would have made it 4-3 London, was a comeback killer.
- There are some real questionable folks in the pressbox in London. Guys getting emotional over the play. Give it a rest. Thankfully the Free Press guys are solid reporters who understand the code - no cheering in the pressbox.
- Not sure anyone expected this series to be 3-0 London, not even the Knights.
- Lost in the series is the fact that London hasn't scored a power play goal in the past seven games.
JB's top three Rangers: Franky Palazzese, Eric Ming, Josh Sterk
Another lead, another loss.
Kitchener just can't hang on.
Last night it was 4-2 in the third, but 6-4 for London in the books. Give Austin "I almost came to Kitchener at the trade deadline' Watson a pair of goals.
Want to know how the Knights are really getting it done? Depth. Guys who were quiet earlier on in the post-season are stepping up when London needs them most.
Max Domi, no goals before this series, two now. Olli Maatta, one goal before, one in two games in west final. Josh Anderson, one goal leading up, one in the series. Tyler Ferry, first goal of the playoffs in Game 1 vs Kitchener.
Across the ice? It's the same old faces. Tobias Rieder and Ben Thomson in the 3-2 loss Thursday. Rieder with two more, Michael Catenacci and Ryan Murphy with the others last night.
Off to practice this afternoon. Will report back if any lines get mixed up.
***
Back from Sportsworld. Closed door team meetings today. Staff wasn't sure if they were going to hit the ice or not.
***
Tobi Rieder was named OHL player of the week after grabbing seven points in three games. Teammate Ryan Murphy was a finalist.
Must be the playoffs, media room is packed three hours before puck drop.
I'm told to expect lot of breaks for TV timeouts tonight. If you can't make it, the game is on Sportsnet.
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Line combos:
Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Lorentz-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Randell
Sterk-Meighan-Grant
Sol-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Young
Gibson
London:
Ferry-Namestnikov-Griffith
M. Rupert-R. Rupert-Knight
Domi-Watson-Athanasiou
Horvat-Tierney-Anderson
Harrington-Tinordi
Maatta-Hughes
Cook-Raine
Houser
***
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Puck points:
- Felt like a carbon copy of Game 1 tonight, didn't it? Two third period leads blown with about five minutes left in the game.
- Kitchener coach/GM Steve Spott said the team does not alter its strategy to sit back when it has the lead. In fact, he preaches the opposite.
- Tobias Reider scored two shorthanded goals on the same shift, to give him three this post-season.
- Not sure I understand grown men in the crowd heckling teenagers. I'm all for some good natured cheers, but personal slams against the Knights is a bit excessive.
- Rangers fans may not like the outcome, but it has been two very entertaining games so far.
- London has gotten key goals from supporting players in both games. A problem that still plagues the Rangers.
- Kitchener goalie John Gibson made a few beautie saves, but also let in a couple of soft goals. That's out of character for him.
- Also think it has been a pretty clean series. Not many shenanigans so far.
JB's top three Rangers: Tobias Rieder, Ryan Murphy, Michael Catenacci
The bad news? Kitchener blew a lead and lost in overtime 3-2 in Game 1.
The good news? The Rangers, despite playing on little rest, controlled a lot of the game and certainly don't have a problem playing in the confines of the JLC. That bodes well for future matches.
Forgot to update Eric Ming's status in the post-game notes last night. The winger left the game after the first period with a lower body injury but coach Steve Spott says he should be good to go for Sunday's Game 2.
Sometimes pictures say more than words.
Two perspectives from last night's game that saw Kitchener defeat Plymouth 6-3, on the strength of Tyler Randell's four goals, to move on to the OHL western conference final.
We're hours away from the deciding Game 7 of the OHL western conference semifinal between the Kitchener Rangers and Plymouth Whalers.
Tonight, the Rangers will welcome the return of forward Tyler Randell. It's like the club made a mid post-season trade. After all, Randell has missed 10 of the team's 11 playoff games while serving a suspension.
He was an animal in Kitchener's Game 1 win in the quarters, scoring two goals and dishing out several punishing hits.
And no one is more excited about rejoining the team than Randell. The overager was touched by the fact that his teammates used his situation as motivation to make it far enough along in the playoffs so he could finish his junior career on the ice and not in the stands.
So what does his addition mean?
Well, it gives Kitchener depth up front, outside of its current two scoring lines. It adds some much needed beef to the lineup (Steve Spott said he could be one of the toughest guys in the OHL). And it gives the Rangers another option to park in front of Plymouth goalie Scott Wedgewood on the power play.
I hear there is at least one fan bus headed state side. Hope to see lots more supporters at the game.
Kitchener's playoff life comes down to one game.
It's Game 7 against Plymouth for the second consecutive year. This time, the winner goes on to the OHL western final against the London Knights.
Last year, the Whalers won 4-2 to pull off an upset in the first round. Goalie Scott Wedgewood beat Kitchener's Mike Morrison.
The Rangers forced a Game 7 with a 4-2 win last night at the Aud in front of a packed house.
Rookie Curtis Meighan scored the game winner, but was one of many who stepped up. Others who had a huge game included Ryan Murphy, Cody Sol, John Gibson and Ben Thomson.
Gritty winger Tyler Randell rejoins the Rangers for Game 7. He has been sitting out on a 10-game suspension for hitting a player in the head earlier in the post-season.
The team hits the ice this afternoon before making its way to Plymouth.
Not much to report from practice. It was an optional skate.
Injured centre Andrew Crescenzi continues to be day-to-day with an upper body injury. The rest of the team is healthy.
For those wondering, the game will be on Rogers TV.
It should be a nut house at the Aud tonight for a do or die Game 6.
A win and the Rangers are off to a seventh and deciding game in the western conference semifinal and a chance for a shot at the London Knights, who wrapped up their series against Saginaw 4-2.
A loss and the season is over.
After last night's 3-0 loss, coach/GM Steve Spott said the team will look to lean on the crowd as the extra man for tonight's tilt. Defenceman Ben Fanelli echoed the sentiment adding that there is no better feeling than playing at the Aud.
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Forward Andrew Crescenzi will not play tonight. He left Game 5 with an upper body injury and remains out. Winger Brandon Francisco goes back in to fill the void.
Line combos:
Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Lorentz-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Meighan-Lesway
Francisco-Sterk-Grant
Sol-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Young
Gibson
Plymouth:
Miller-Rakell-Wilson
Mistele-Heard-Aleardi
Devane-Bathgate-Payne
Vanderwiel-Whaley
Levi-Trutmann
Crombeen-Schmitz
Malysa-C. MacDonald
D. MacDonald
Wedgewood
***
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Puck points:
- Tyler Randell returns to the lineup for Game 7. That's a huge boost for the Rangers. His 10-game suspension ended tonight.
- Great effort by some secondary players, namely Ben Fanelli and Curtis Meighan who set up, and scored, the game winner.
- The one thing I like about Plymouth is that they never panic. It doesn't matter if they fall behind one, two or three goals. They keep their composure and keep coming at you. A fine quality in a team.
- The Faksa-Ming-Lorentz line has had better games. Ming and Lorentz at minus-2.
- Nice to see the Rangers finally pepper an opposing goalie with a bunch of shots. More than 40 tonight.
- Kitchener Rangers goalie John Gibson continues to keep the club in the game. Lots of Anaheim scouts here tonight. The Rangers had better hope he isn't off to the AHL next year.
JB's top three Rangers: Ryan Murphy, Cody Sol, Curtis Meighan
Some extra photos taken by the Record's David Bebee from Wednesday's 5-1 win.
