Rangers Report

Dispatches from practice

It was an optional skate down at the Aud this afternoon.

Smiling faces, loose demeanour = a team on a hot streak.

Rookie Justin Bailey was getting some tips on how to hold a guy in a fight from Nick Czinder after the drills were done. His pal, and ex-NHL, Matthew Barnaby is guest coaching tomorrow's skate.

Flames blueliner Dennis Wideman was back out on the ice with the lads. The NHLer was shaking his head after practice when the kids were blaring the music.

Andrew Crescenzi had found a home with the Toronto Marlies for now and is with the club on its western road swing. His name keeps popping up with the OA opening in Kitchener.

Fans expecting Jeff Skinner to come back for an OA victory lap can stop dreaming. Besides being a major step back for his development, he's not on the team's OA protected list, which by the way, has to be whittled down to four by Nov. 15th.

Hanes off to Kingston

Ryan Hanes, we hardly knew ya.

It's so long to the Kitchener Rangers overager, who was sent to Kingston for a seventh round pick in next year's draft.

Hanes had no points in nine games, but was known more for his stay at home approach than his offensive abilities.

Coach/GM Steve Spott said he was happy with Hanes' play but wants to get his young rearguards more ice time. Hanes has missed the past five games with a shoulder injury but is expected to return next week.

That means more minutes for Jared Gilbert, Cory Genovese and Owen Stewart.

Kitchener obtained Hanes from Sudbury for an eighth-round pick in the pre-season.

The Rangers are down to two OA players - forward Nick Czinder and Domenic Alberga.

Spott says he will definitely fill the slot. He's consider another forward in the right deal, but said it'll likely be another defenceman.

West is a test

Have you looked at the OHL's western conference standings lately? It's pretty tight.

Only five points separates first place Owen Sound from the eighth and final playoff spot - currently held by Windsor, Plymouth and Sarnia.

Kitchener is just one point up on the the trio. Congested like a good autumn cold. The Rangers have a bit of a cushion thanks to Sunday's 2-1 win over Plymouth at the Aud. It was redemption time for rookie Justin Bailey, who got the game winner, after thinking he had the GWG Saturday in Plymouth. That marker was called back on a high stick.

Speaking of Bailey, the kid has been alright, eh? He's showing more confidence every game and a willingness to go to the net. He's creative with the puck and one of the more exciting rookies - outside of Euro import picks - that this team has seen in a the past two years.

So, the Rangers got through a crucial three games in three days with five points. Almost as good as it gets. Another test lies ahead. This time, it's four games in six days. It starts Thursday in Niagara against the surprising 9-6-1-0 IceDogs, who seemed destined for a down year.

From there it's a trio of home games - Windsor Friday, Owen Sound Sunday and a rare Tuesday tilt against Mississauga. This threesome also own winning records.

Kitchener has yet to lose at home. Got a chuckle when talking to Bailey who said he thinks the club can last the season without losing a home game. Rookie optimism is certainly a breath of fresh air.

Kitchener 2, Plymouth 1

I just can't get away from those Kitchener Rangers.

First I have a dream that former Rangers forward Zach Lorentz scores four goals in a game and then I'm running errands at the local grocery store and see this:

Not a bad deal eh? John Gibson at 19 years old and already on a Shreddies box. Still waiting for Post to call me for the OHL reporters edition. I'd probably be on the Fruit Loops box.

Heading to the Aud soon and will get line combos up asap. Had a rare Saturday night off yesterday, but still had time to review the game.

JB's top three Rangers from last night: Ben Thomson, Franky Palazzese, Matia Marcantuoni.

The Rangers returned to Kitchener late last night while the Whalers pulled in this afternoon.

***

Radek Faksa continues to battle the flu but is in tonight's lineup.

Kitchener combos:

Ben Thomson-Matia Marcantuoni-Tobias Rieder
Matt Puempel-Radek Faksa-Eric Ming
Brent Pedersen-Josh Sterk-Justin Bailey
Domenic Alberga-Curtis Meighan-Nick Czinder

Ryan Murphy-Ben Fanelli
Evan McEneny-Max Iafrate
Jared Gilbert-Cory Genovese

John Gibson starts.

Plymouth:

Zach Bratina-Ryan Hartman-Garrett Meurs
Stefan Noesen-Rickard Rakell-Cody Payne
Matt Mistele-Michael Whaley-Alex Aleardi
Dan Vanderwiel

Austin Levi-Colin MacDonald
Gianluca Curcuruto-Curtis Crombeen
Nick Malysa-Connor Carrick
Simon Karlsson

Matt Mahalak is between the pipes.

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- So Justin Bailey almost scores last night and does tonight. Are we starting to see the emergence of the third line of Josh Sterk, Brent Pedersen and Bailey?

- I take back everything I said about the Aud being warm and cozy up in the pressbox. Absolutely freezing tonight. Feels like a gust of wind is blowing up here.

- Franky Palazzese has been really solid this season. But it's tough to see him getting lots of action with the way John Gibson is going. First, the guy gets on a Shreddies box, then he shreds the league. Seriously, how do you pull Gibson out of the crease?

- Looked like Jared Gilbert had his first career OHL goal but it was tipped by Matt Puempel. Regardless, Gilbert is getting a healthy dose of confidence from the coaching staff with big minutes at key times.

- Thought Czinder and Alberga showed good energy for most of the game tonight after missing some games as a healthy scratch earlier this week. A tough penalty for Czinder to take though down the stretch. Not sure that will help his cause for playing time.

- Coach/GM Steve Spott said he has the luxury now of shifting guys in and out of the lineup since no one is injured and there are capable subs. He likes that it creates urgency on the roster.

- How do the Rangers celebrate a win? By playing Gangnam Style. And by playing, I mean blaring.

- Gibson was great, but let's applaud Matt Mahalak who was equally strong in net for Plymouth.

JB's top three Rangers: John Gibson, Justin Bailey, Matt Puempel

The voice of the Rangers for 50 years

Don Cameron could be called the Kitchener Rangers' archives guy.

Nobody knows more about the franchise than the voice of the Rangers, who has been calling games since the home opener back in 1963.

I caught up with Don to chat about the past 50 years in the radio booth for our second installment in features examining the Rangers' 50th anniversary.

So many good anecdotes came flooding out of him in our conversation. I tried to include most of them by appending a "Cameron's Calls" portion to the story where he answers 10 questions about the team.

Cameron could also easily be called the gentleman of the club. I sit in a lot of media rooms and hear scouts, coaches, players and media criticize players. Not Cameron. Never a bad word out of his mouth. He loves what he does and carries himself like a pro.

Then again, if you've ever met Don, you already know this.

***

A huge comeback win for the Rangers last night. It could have been an ugly ride in the bus to Plymouth today had the blown 2-1 lead turned into a loss. As it was, the club rallied in the shootout for a 3-2 win on the team's fifth attempt on Owen Sound's Jordan Binnington.

Several standouts in this one from John Gibson in net to Matt Puempel who potted a pair to Matia Marcantuoni who capped the win.

 

Kitchener 3, Owen Sound 2 (SO)

What's that saying? If it ain't broke...

Rangers GM/coach Steve Spott is sticking with his young lineup for tonight's game against the Attack. The same one that got the group a win on Sunday.

Kitchener lines:

Ben Thomson-Matia Marcantuoni-Tobias Rieder
Matt Puempel-Radek Faksa-Eric Ming
Brent Pedersen-Josh Sterk-Justin Bailey
Darby Llewellyn-Curtis Meighan-Matt Schmalz

Ryan Murphy-Evan McEneny
Ben Fanelli-Max Iafrate
Jared Gilbert-Cory Genovese

John Gibson starts in net for the fifth consecutive game.

Owen Sound

Gemel Smith-Dan Catenacci-Cam Brace
Kyle Hope-Joseph Blandisi-Jaden Lindo
Gilbert Gabor-Holden Cook-Kurtis Gabriel
Dan Zweep-Stefano Pezzetta-Devon Rymarchuk

Keevin Cutting-Braydon Rose
Chris Bigras-Nathan Chiarlitti
Alex Annecchiarico-Jake Dotchin

Jordan Binnington starts.

***

More suspensions issued by the OHL. Oshawa's Scott Laughton handed 10 games for checking to the head while the Soo's Landon Schiller also gets 10, also for checking to the head.

See the OHL's reasoning here.

Meanwhile, the CHL responds in wake of the CHLPA's lawsuit threat.

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- These Rangers are killing me with the last minute dramatics! Sweating up here in the pressbox on deadline. But at least the games are exciting.

-Wanted to put Ben Fanelli in the top three stars below, but couldn't get him past the three listed. However, it was his best game of the season and he broke up several good offensive rushes by the Attack. Tip of the cap to Evan McEneny as well for a late game stand-up bodycheck to thwart a rush.

- Kudos to Aud staff for fixing some glaring issues. The shot clock, scoreboard and remote TVs were all in fine working order.

- How good is Matt Puempel? It's not often that key trade acquisitions work out as smoothly has he has here in Kitchener. Trade is looking like robbery now as the Petes toil away in last place in the east.

- OA forwards Nick Czinder and Domenic Alberga were healthy scratches for the second straight game. My guess is that they'll be back tomorrow against a veteran Plymouth team. Young energy is good, but there were a few mistakes by the rooks tonight.

- Ran into Ryan Hanes in the hallway at intermission. He's still nursing a shoulder injury which he calls more serious than a stinger. He's hoping to return next week.

- Great goaltending at both ends. Both teams hit posts.

- Attack goalie Jordan Binnington is shining without Scott Stajcer around. He gives Owen Sound a legit shot at going far in the post-season. I would not want to face this club in the first round.

- Sophomore forward Brent Pedersen is really snake bitten right now. He had two glorious point blank chances but couldn't convert.

- Kudos to former Rangers' defenceman Stephen Midensky who had three assists tonight in Quebec's 7-0 win over Shawinigan.

JB's top three Rangers: Matt Puempel, John Gibson, Matia Marcantuoni

Faksa finding his way

I guess I wasn't the only one who thought something was up.

I've received a bunch of emails from Kitchener Rangers fans regarding forward Radek Faksa and they all had the same tone - something just isn't right with him this year.

The team and Faksa himself confirmed it - the Czech centre has been struggling out of the gate.

Now, let's give this some perspective. A slow start from Faksa is akin to a dream season for most players. After all, he has 10 points in 11 games.

But he has high standards and wants to take the next step in his development this year and felt he wasn't delivering early on. The good news is that he had one of his best games on Sunday and appears to be turning a corner.

So, let's chalk this up to a slow start.

As for tonight, it's a tough one against Owen Sound. The Attack are one of the hottest teams in the OHL.

Kitchener's next six games will give fans a better idea of where they stand in the OHL after a hot and cold start to the season. It's no cake walk - Owen Sound, Plymouth twice, Niagara, Windsor and another date with the Attack.

***

If you missed it, the CHLPA is threatening to sue the OHL and one of the lawyers representing the players is a former Kitchener Ranger. At issue to the proposed union are inadequate wages and educational packages.

***

Another checking to head video is making the rounds. This one has the Soo's Landon Schiller drilling Niagara's Mack Lemmon Thursday night. Schiller got a major and was tossed from the game. The hit kicks in around the 3:55 mark.

 

Farm report

Let's take a look at how some Rangers' draft picks and former players are doing in the hockey world.

Team USA's Under-17 squad dropped a 6-2 decision to Waterloo of the USHL this past weekend. But forward Ryan MacInnis (3rd round 2012) picked up one of the goals.

It was a 6-3 win for the University of Michigan over Bentley in the team's last game. Give defenceman Jacob Trouba (3rd round 2010) one assist. Trouba is second in team scoring with four points (2-2) in the Wolverines' first three games.

Chris Maniccia (10th round 2010)  is killing it up north with the Smith Falls Bears. The centre leads the club with 29 points in 18 games and is second overall in league scoring.

Keli Grant (3rd round 2009) had two more goals in Wednesday's 5-2 loss for the Jr. B Kitchener Dutchmen. Grant has five goals in his last two games and 14 in 14 games this season. He's tied for third overall in goal scoring in the league.

Forward Jake Evans (8th round 2012) is better than a point per game (19 in 17 games) for St. Mike's on the OJHL loop.

Ty Learn (7th round 2012) has five points - all goals - in 15 games for the Dutchies.

Goalie Jack Moylan's numbers are cleaning up. He's now 4-4 with the Dutchies and has a .901 save percentage and 2.98 goals against average.

Blueliner Frank Hora (8th round 2012) is having a solid season in Buffalo. He has nine points in 17 games for the Jr. Sabres.

UPDATE: Kegan Blasby (6th round 2012) was released by the Hamilton Red Wings (OJHL) and sent back to midget in Markham. He had one goal in nine games in the Hammer.

Puempel has something to prove

Kitchener Rangers forward Matt Puempel is eyeing the world junior team.

Yesterday, he took the first step to making the squad - a bit of a long shot at this point - by being named to Team OHL for the Subway Series.

I say long shot because he wasn't one of the early invitees to Hockey Canada's first evaluation camp. But that has only motivated Puempel this time around.

Impress in the two-game series against the Russians and he'll be invited to the final December selection camp.

Through the see-saw opening few weeks I'd say there are four Kitchener Rangers who have remained consistent in the winning and losing streaks.

Puempel - currently at a point per game - is at the top of the list. There is no trade rust with him. The Essex native has been delivering since he showed up in town from Peteborough.

The other three who have remained relatively stable in my eyes are goalie John Gibson, centre Curtis Meighan and rookie Darby Llewellyn (though his sample size is small having played just six games).

The good news for fans is that all the regulars pretty much found their groove during last weekend's trio of victories.

Murphy, Puempel on path to worlds

No huge surprise, but a nice feather in the cap for a pair of Kitchener Rangers today.

Defenceman Ryan Murphy and forward Matt Puempel were named to Team OHL for the Subway Series. The six-game showdown pits the stars of the OHL against what will likely be Russia's world junior championship squad.

Murphy and Puempel made the trek out to Guelph for today's announcement. It's Puempel's third go around on the team and second for Murphy, who had to sit last year's session out with an injury.

Puempel will play both games - Nov. 8 in Guelph and Nov. 12 in Sarnia - while Murphy will just be at the Guelph game. Kitchener native Mark Scheifele, of the Barrie Colts, is on the Sarnia roster while Rangers' head coach/GM Steve Spott will be behind the bench for both games.

The Russians will also face the best of the WHL and QMJHL in two games series.

Team OHL roster here.

Hockey Canada uses the series as an audition for its world junior championship camp in December.

***

Meanwhile, the OHL has suspened Sarnia Sting forward Craig Hottot for 10 games for his hit on Guelph's Ryan Horvat Oct. 19.

Hottot received a five minute major for checking to the head on the play.

Take a look here.

Speaking of suspensions, Mike Liambas is at it again. Just one game in with Cincinnati (ECHL) and he has a fight, two majors and is now suspended for four games for interference.

According to the Cyclones' website: "Liambas laid a heavy hit on Trenton’s Jacob Drewiske that sent him off the boards and straight to the ice. Liambas was assessed a major penalty for interference and was also ejected as he picked up a game misconduct for the hit."

Winning weekend

Three for three.

Not a bad weekend at all for the Kitchener Rangers. The offence is rolling now with 16 goals in the past three wins over - Oshawa (6-2), Sarnia (5-3) and Kingston (5-2) last night at the Aud.

It was a young lineup for the Rangers. Both overage forwards Domenica Alberga and Nick Czinder sat this one out as a healthy scratch. Both players were upset but understood the decision.

Coach/GM Steve Spott made it clear after the game - perform well and you'll play, if not, to the pressbox you go.

***

Ryan Murphy (eight points, three games) and Tobi Rieder (eight points) were named finalists for OHL player of the week.

Guelph's Hunter Garlent won, after potting three goals and adding five assists. The Storm also won three games in three days, like the Rangers.

***

Ex-Rangers centre Andrew Crescenzi was at Sunday's game.

The potential OHL overager was cut by the AHL's Toronto Marlies and was supposed to go to the ECHL's Fort Wayne Komets but there is no room for him on the roster.

At last check the Toronto Maple Leafs' prospect  is still without a team.

Earlier this season, the Leafs said they did not want him coming back to junior and that he needed to play against men in order to develop properly.

Rangers GM/coach Steve Spott hasn't heard anything about him coming back to junior and said that decision is  in the Leafs' hands.

I contacted Crescenzi's agent but have not heard back yet. Will update if there is any news.

Kitchener 5, Kingston 2

The hockey action never stops, or at least it feels that way. The Kitchener Rangers are back at it tonight against Kingston.

And it's a case of the opposites right now. Kitchener is riding a two-game winning streak while the Fronts are winless in their last two.

The suddenly offensive Rangers have 11 goals in the past pair of games while the Fronts have been outscored 12-5 in their last two. Kingston is 1-3 on the road this season.

Rangers' winger Tobias Rieder had his best game of the year last night in Sarnia, capping a Kitchener comeback that saw the club rally to win 5-3 in the third period.

I'll be back here later on today from the Aud. In the meantime, enjoy an extra photo from the home opener, courtesy of Record photographer David Bebee (who also shot the one of Ben Thomson below).

***

Kitchener's lines for tonight - no overage players in the lineup.

Thomson-Marcantuoni-Rieder
Puempel-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Sterk-Bailey
Llewellyn-Meighan-Schmalz

McEneny-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Gilbert-Genovese

John Gibson in goal.

Overagers Domenic Alberga and Nick Czinder are healthy scratches. OA blueliner Ryan Hanes is still out with a stinger.

Kingston:

Jenkins-Bennett-Beckstead
Alcock-Greenaway-Watson
Ikonen-Kujawinski-Morbeck
Fitzmorris-Dupuy-Cull

Vainonen-McKeown
Steele-DiPerna
Moffat-Nixon

Mike Morrison goes for his second win against his former club this season.

***

Game summary

Puck points:

- Head coach/GM Steve Spott said the main difference in the past three games (all wins) has been the team's sense of urgency.

- A bit of a coming out party for rookie Justin Bailey. His first goal was a backhanded beauty. I warned you last night that he will be one to watch.

- Ryan Murphy for OHL player of the week? Eight points in three games should get him consideration.

- Not just the OAs sitting. Make a mistake and you'll ride the pine. Ask defenceman Evan McEneny after he took a bad penalty in the second period. He didn't see much ice time after that.

- Miss hearing the fan yelling "free chili." I guess he no longer attends games or is sitting somewhere new. After two games, I must say that games are a bit more rowdy with the new licensed seats near the pressbox.

- Tobias Rieder is playing with the confidence he showed last year. Five points for him in the past two games. Smart move by Spott to put Thomson on the top line since he has chemistry with Rieder from last year. Marcantuoni is fitting in nicely in the middle.

- I think the score flattered the visitors. Felt like Kitchener dominated puck possession. Hard to believe the Fronts outshot the Rangers.

- Nobody second guessing John Gibson's third start in a row now. Gotta ride the hot hand, no?

JB's top three Rangers: Justin Bailey, John Gibson, Ryan Murphy

Kitchener 5, Sarnia 3

The Kitchener Rangers are back on track, at least for one game.

The club pleased the hometown faithful with a convincing 6-2 win over the Oshawa Generals - Canada's fourth ranked team - in its first game at the Aud this season.

There were lots of positives in Fridya's win namely the breakout of Ben Thomson (one goal, one fight), Matia Marcantuoni (two goals) and Ryan Murphy (four assists), all of whom were off to slow starts. Eric Ming had a strong game, Evan McEneny was quiet but effective, John Gibson was solid in net and the list goes on.

Now, the challenge is to see if they can take the show on the road.

The Rangers pull into Sarnia (5-5-0-1) tonight and are catching the Sting on a two game losing skid. Kitchener beat Sarnia 3-2 in a shootout earlier this year, but dominated the game by outshooting the Sting 50-30. It's back to the Aud Sunday for a date with Kingston.

Next week looks tough - another three games in three days with two tilts against the resurgent Plymouth Whalers and one versus top the ranked (in the west) Owen Sound Attack.

***

No big changes for the Rangers' lines tonight. And that's not a surprise considering the success the team had against Oshawa.

Max Iafrate is back from the flu. The team is dressing an extra forward for the warmup in case Ben Thomson can't go. The winger received eight stitches to four different places on his head after his fight against Oshawa's Scott Sabourin.

UPDATE: Thomson gets through pre-game skate just fine and is in the lineup.

Overage blueliner Ryan Hanes suffered a stinger last night and is day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated Monday.

Thomson-Marcantuoni-Rieder
Puempel-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Alberga-Czinder
Llewellyn-Meighan-Bailey
Sterk

McEneny-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Gilbert-Genovese

John Gibson starts.

For Sarnia:

Boucher-Sarault-Galchenyuk
Moore-Hargrave-Dundas
Goldobin-Nikandrov-Latta
Addesi-Renaud

Murphy-Duininck
Kuzmyk-Chapman
Nemecek-DiPaolo

Brodie Barrick starts.

***

The difference between Gibson and Franky Palazzese? When Palazzese starts, he wears his earphones, listens to music and keeps to himself in the hours leading up to the game. Gibson walks around, chats with teammates and is generally no different than when he gets a day off. Gotta love goalies.

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- Another Kitchener Ranger has his breakout game, this time it's Tobias Rieder with a pair of goals, including the game tying and winning marker.

- How about that Rangers' fourth line? About the only guys who are a plus player on the team reside there. Another goal tonight. The third line? That's a different story. It was a mess tonight.

- Loved Gilbert's pass to set up Llewellyn. He did most of the work by spinning out of a check and then delivering a long cross-ice pass on the tape to send Llewellyn into the o-zone.

- Speaking of those youngsters, fans should be excited to see Justin Bailey and Llewellyn grow.

- Ben Thomson was getting heckled mercilessly by a Sting fan throughout the entire game. Thomson got the last laugh with two assists and the win.

- Eric Ming has four goals, he had 10 all of last year.

- Hard to believe the Sting would go with Brodie Barrick in net after the stunning performance J.P. Anderson had against the Rangers earlier this season when he made 47 saves but lost in a shootout.

JB's top three Rangers: Tobias Rieder, Ben Thomson, Ryan Murphy

Kitchener 6, Oshawa 2

This home date against the Generals has been a long time coming.

Eight road games and a subpar 3-4-0-1 record later and now the Rangers return to the Aud for the first time this season.

The atmosphere should be electric. It's up to the Rangers to prolong the fun.

Things will look different at the Aud after an extensive renovation. About another 1,000 folks will be cheering on the lads from the stands. It's gonna get loud in there.

Oshawa is no joke. In fact, the Gens are the top ranked OHL team in Canada. Beating them, would be a huge statement game for the home side, which has struggled mightily to score goals this season.

Looking for an inside look at the new Aud? Check it out here.

***

Kitchener's lines for tonight:

Thomson-Marcantuoni-Rieder
Puempel-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Alberga-Czinder
Sterk-Meighan-Bailey

McEneny-Murphy
Fanelli-Hanes
Gilbert-Genovese

John Gibson starts.

Defenceman Max Iafrate is out with the flu.

Oshawa:

Dal Colle-Jenner-Biggs
Latour-Laughton-Lessio
Lloyd-Cassels-Sabourin
Petschenig-Hughes-Smith

Petgrave-Suellentrop
Carlisle-Schemitsch
Hore-Brown

Dan Altshuller in goal.

***

Game summary

Puck points:

- Wow, that was an adrenaline rush. Extra pre-game ceremonies meant this one ended right on deadline. Still out of breath from running up the stairs to the pressbox, lol.

- This is the Kitchener Rangers team fans have been waiting for. Fast, creative, playing hard. Captain Ryan Murphy, who had four assists, hinted that this may be a turning point for the slow starting club.

- That is the Ben Thomson we're used to seeing - a beauty fight, passion and a goal. Perhaps his best asset tonight was how he got under the Generals' skin.

- Gotta love the new temps at the Aud. By the third period last year I could barely feel my feet. Tonight, I actually shed my coat.

- Matia Marcantuoni finally scored a goal, in fact, he potted two. That shorthanded backhander was a beauty.

- Would love to see Radek Faksa have his breakout game. It'll come, but he has started off slow.

- Clarification on the OA situation. I had previously stated that one of the issues with the club was that none of the OAs had scored. That is true. My point was that teams rely on their older players to put up points and Kitchener had three studs last year. This time, the OAs are different, in that they are character guys. Alberga brings grit. Czinder size and skill. And Hanes is the stay at home defender the team lacked. I don't expect Hanes to put up big numbers, that's not his MO. But the other two have proven they can score and need to find the net.

- A few glitches at the Aud. Those TVs above the new seats need to be fixed. Lots of commercials and TV shows broadcasted instead of the game highlights and promos.

- 20 minutes after the game ends and kids are still here screaming in delight.

- No points for Evan McEneny, but he was plus-four.

JB's top three Rangers: Ryan Murphy, Matia Marcantuoni, Ben Thomson

The new-look Aud

Took a tour of the Aud today and it's looking pretty nice.

Two new levels, seats, media room and a dressing room that will make OHL players drool. Recruiting certainly won't be an issue for Steve Spott and company, not that it ever was.

COO Steve Bienkowski called the set up: "among the best in the league."

Players who are not in high school hit the ice this morning. The entire team practises for the first time since the renos this afternoon.

There are still standing room tickets available for Friday's home opener against Oshawa. I'm told a huge pre-game show/video is planned.

All the details will be in tomorrow's paper but here is a sneak peak.

CHL top ten rankings

The weekly CHL top ten rankings came out this afternoon.

Here's a look:

1. Kamloops Blazers (9-0-0-1)
2. Quebec Remparts (8-1-0-0)
3. Halifax Mooseheads (9-1-0-0)
4. Oshawa Generals (7-2-0-1)
5. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (7-2-0-1)
6. Owen Sound Attack (7-1-0-1)
7. Prince Albert Raiders (7-2-0-2)
8. Portland Winterhawks (7-3-1-0)
9. Barrie Colts (8-2-0-0)
10. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (8-2-0-1)

Honourable mentions: Calgary Hitmen (7-1-1-1), Guelph Storm (6-2-0-1), Rimouski Oceanic (7-2-0-1)

Meanwhile, Craig Button has released his list of top NHL draft prospects. No Kitchener Rangers made the top 30. Forward Justin Bailey made the "next 40" list.

Draft review

Kitchener Rangers GM/coach Steve Spott has been calling out a bunch of players in the wake of the team's four-game winless skid.

On Sunday, in Ottawa, he pointed out three groups that weren't picking up the slack -- the team's captain and assistant captains, the overagers and the club's first round draft picks.

I thought I'd review how the team's first rounders stack up against others taken in the same round. It's an interesting list that reveals how some top picks are over-performing from their draft position, while others aren't delivering (note stats as of Oct. 16).

2012 OHL Draft Round 1
Player	Team	Pos	Rank	Drafted	GP	Points
Connor McDavid	Erie	F	1	1	9	11
Mike Dal Colle	Osh	F	2	7	10	9
Josh Ho-Sang	Win	F	3	5	10	7
Sam Bennett	Kin	F	5	9	8	5
Dante Salituro	Ott	F	5	18	9	5
Blake Clarke	Bra	F	5	15	10	5
Eric Cornel	Pet	F	8	3	10	4
Jared McCann	Soo	F	8	4	10	4
Robert Fabbri	Gue	F	9	6	9	3
Roland McKeown	Kin	D	10	2	8	2
Brett Hargrave	Sar	F	16	13	9	1
Conor Cummins	Sud	D	16	14	5	1
Niki Petti	Bel	F	16	10	7	1
Damian Bourne	Mis	F	16	11	4	1
Brook Hiddink	Nia	F	16	21	10	1
Zach Bratina	Ply	F	16	19	8	1
Jeremiah Addison	Sag	F	22	12	10	0
Jake Middleton	OS	D	22	8	6	0
Matt Schmalz	Kit	F	22	17	3	0
Aaron Haydon	Nia	D	22	20	3	0
Brendan Perlini	Bar	F	22	16	0	0
Liam Herbst	Lon	G	22	22	0	0

Notes: To be fair, Schmalz has only played three games and Spott has gone on record as saying he does not include the rookie when talking about players who aren't coming through. Kitchener typically finishes high in the standings and gets a lower draft pick, but they're not the only team that has to mine for gems -- see Ottawa's pick.

2011 OHL Draft Round 1
Player	Team	Pos	Rank	Drafted	GP	Points
Max Domi	Kin	F	1	8	70	64
Ryan Kujawinski	Sar	F	2	4	67	45
Hunter Garlent	Gue	F	4	10	68	44
Stephen Harper	Erie	F	4	12	72	44
Nicholas Ritchie	Pet	F	5	2	67	42
Bo Horvat	Lon	F	6	9	72	39
Aaron Ekblad	Bar	D	7	1	73	35
Nick Baptiste	Sud	F	8	6	73	30
Jordan Subban	Bel	D	9	5	65	28
Brandon Robinson	Bra	F	10	7	67	27
Jordan Maletta	Win	F	11	13	67	26
Zach Nastasiuk	OS	F	12	20	76	24
Darnell Nurse	Soo	D	13	3	63	18
Cole Cassels	Osh	F	15	16	73	16
Brent Pedersen	Kit	F	15	14	73	16
Adam Bateman	Nia	D	17	19	71	12
Scott Teskey	Mis	F	17	21	62	12
Nick Moutrey	Sag	F	18	15	73	10
Alex Yuill	Bar	D	19	22	69	8
Mitchell Dempsey	Ply	F	20	11	44	7
David Perklin	Ott	F	21	17	54	2
Spencer Martin	Mis	G		18	20

 Notes: Clearly Pedersen needs to pick up the pace. He looked strong to start the season but, like most of his teammates, has fallen back in recent games. Pedersen has two points in eight games so far. He is tough to knock off the puck when he drives to the net but isn't as effective playing a peripheral game.

2010 OHL Draft
Player	Team	Pos	Rank	Drafted	GP	Points
Sean Monahan	Ott	F	1	16	136	137
Brendan Gaunce	Bel	F	2	2	142	112
Kerby Rychel	Bar	F	3	21	140	103
Alex Galchenyuk	Sar	F	4	1	79	95
Scott Laughton	Osh	F	5	3	137	88
Nick Ebert	Mis	D	6	17	140	86
Matt Finn	Gue	D	7	12	130	78
Jesse Graham	Nia	D	8	6	142	62
Matt Campagna	Sud	F	9	5	113	60
Chris Marchese	Erie	F	10	11	108	58
Chris Tierney	Lon	F	11	19	120	49
Slater Koekkoek	Pet	D	12	7	101	48
Gianluca Curcuruto	Soo	D	13	14	127	47
Jarrod Maidens	OS	F	14	4	75	44
Matia Marcantuoni	Kit	F	15	18	74	41
Marcus McIvor	Bra	D	16	9	130	28
Alex Gudbranson	Kin	D	18	10	122	25
Justin Kea	Sag	F	18	13	137	25
Max Iafrate	Ply	D	19	15	132	24
Luke Mercer	Nia	D	20	8	111	22
Grant Webermin	Win	D	21	20	111	21

Notes: While Marcantuoni's rank is higher than his draft position, there is only one forward behind him in point totals to date. The speedy forward did miss half a season last year and is coming off shoulder surgery. But there is no debating that he is underachieving this season at minus-5 and no points. Notice too that Iafrate is on this list. The Rangers gave up two third round picks for him.

Road woes

It started out well in Ottawa but ended ugly with a 6-2 loss to the east's worst team.

When know it's early, but I'd say the Rangers need to at least win two out of three this weekend - they play three in three days - to boost confidence.

Lose all three? Wow, let's not go there yet.

If this club is struggling to score goals, imagine what it's going to be like when John Gibson, Tobi Rieder, Radek Faksa, Ryan Murphy and probably Matt Puempel are gone at the world junior hockey championships in December.

Ottawa 6, Kitchener 2

A cold, rainy day up here in Ottawa.

Fans may get stuck parking far away in the lot at the Aud but at least they don't have to pay $7 per car, like they do here at Scotiabank Place.

GM/coach Steve Spott has tinkered a bit with the lines for this afternoon's game.

Puempel-Alberga-Marcantuoni
Thomson-Faksa-Rieder
Pedersen-Sterk-Czinder
Llewellyn-Meighan-Schmalz

McEneny-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Hanes-Stewart

John Gibson gets the start.

For Ottawa, it's:

Gustavsen-Monahan-Mraz
Janes-Graovac-Fielding
Walsh-Giftopoulos-Salituro
Abou-Assaly-Guy-Brown

Cajkovsky-Cardwell
Callaghan-Ceci
Vlajkov-Desautels

Keegan Wilson goes in net.

Game summary

Puck points:

- There is no problem with the team's fourth line. It scored again tonight on Owen Stewart's first career goal. It's the other three that are not clicking.

- Darby Llewellyn stepped up to fight Dan Walsh in the second period and took one for the team. It was a one-sided victory for Walsh. One wonders why Llewellyn, who just turned 16, had to be the one to try and spark the veteran-laden club?

- Goalie John Gibson wasn't great, but the team defence didn't do him any favours.

- Ryan Murphy, Domenic Alberga, Nick Czinder, Matia Marcantuoni, Tobias Rieder and Ben Thomson have combined to score two goals.

- You can't fault the Rangers for talking big and throwing around the Memorial Cup line during the pre-season. But right now, they're fighting for the last playoff spot in the west. This on a team that has eight guys who are either drafted or signed to the NHL.

- Eric Ming took the warm up but did not play this afternoon. The winger was nursing an injury after blocking a shot at practice. He'll be back Friday. Defenceman Cory Genovese has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury.

- Coach/GM Steve Spott said teams aren't in the trading mood this early and that most assess their clubs after about 15-20 games. So don't expect a scoring centre to drop into the lineup any time soon.

JB's top three Rangers: Owen Stewart, Curtis Meighan, Darby Llewellyn

Off to the capital

The Kitchener Rangers (3-3-0-1) will try and finish off their season opening eight game road trip with a winning record when they face the Ottawa 67's tomorrow afternoon.

It didn't go so well last night in Kingston. Ex-Rangers goalie Mike Morrison led the Fronts to a 3-2 win. Morrison credited Kitchener coach/GM Steve Spott for extending his OHL career. The goalie was waived by Peterborough but landed in Kingston after Spott made a call to GM Doug Gilmour.

The line-up shuffle continued to no avail. Still waiting on defenceman Ryan Murphy to get going offensively. So far the Carolina Hurricanes No. 1 draft pick has just one assist in seven games and in minus-five.

Interestingly, the team's top four defencemen are all in double digits in penalty minutes.

***

It was a hard working practice at the Scotiabank Fortress, er, Place. Had to try several doors and go through tight security just to watch the skate.

A new scoreboard was installed last Christmas and it's MASSIVE. The upper deck is curtained off. Word is the 67's aren't drawing like they used to at the Civic Centre. The core fans are downtown and aren't making the drive west.

As for the Rangers, practice ended with a differnt kind of shootout. Every time a player missed a breakaway he had to take a piece of equipment off. I got out of there before the latter stages of the drill.

On a serious note, forward Justin Bailey (concussion) suited up and skated this morning by himself after practice had ended. It's a good step forward for the rookie.