Rangers Report

Injuries return

Just when it looked as though the Kitchener Rangers were getting healthy, the injury bug returned.

This time it's forwards Eric Ming and Keli Grant, both of whom left Friday's 4-1 win over Owen Sound. Ming is day to day with a charley horse while Grant is out indefinitely with a concussion.

Kitchener Rangers forwards who have not missed action due to injuries: Brett Clampitt, Josh Sterk, Zach Lorentz, Curtis Meighan, Ben Thomson, Brandon Lesway and Brent Pedersen.

Matia Marcantuoni showed signs of his old self in last night's tilt, which is encouraging.

As for sick bay, the Rangers have tons of defencemen but no healthy scratched forwards. That might mean seven blueliners against Guelph on Sunday.

In other Rangers-related news:

Draft pick Justin Bailey scored the opening goal in his USHL debut as the Indiana Ice beat Youngstown 5-2 last night.

This blogger seems to suggest that starting John Gibson led to the downfall of the U.S. at the world juniors. Scoring goals seemed to be a bigger issue in that game, no?

Rangers' rookie Brent Pedersen picked up two goals in Team Ontario's 7-2 win over Sweden last night at the Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Windsor.

Off to Guelph tomorrow. In the meantime, have a Happy New Year.

Kitchener 4, Owen Sound 1

The Czechs just shocked the U.S. 5-2 in world junior action. Nice to see Kitchener Rangers rookie Radek Faksa smiling and singing his country's national anthem after the win.

I guess that means we'll be seeing goalie John Gibson sooner rather than later. Just what this team needs - more bodies. Funny how a week or so ago everyone seemed injured, now there is a growing surplus.

Tonight's lines go like this:

Ben Thomson-Michael Catenacci-Tobias Rieder
Zach Lorentz-Andrew Crescenzi-Matia Marcantuoni
Keli Grant-Josh Sterk-Eric Ming
Brett Clampitt-Curtis Meighan-Brandon Lesway

Sol-Murphy
Melchiori-Fanelli
Iafrate-Midensky

Franky Palazzese goes for Kitchener. It's Jordan Binnington in goal for the Attack.

Game summary

Puck points:

- Just a quick one tonight, want to get out and see the fights. Who is this man between the pipes for the Rangers? Another solid outing for Franky P.

- Is it me, or does Eric Ming bring energy to whatever line he's thrown on?

- Newcomer Stephen Midensky is earning more ice-time. The kid can skate.

- Ryan Murphy looked better tonight. I thought he and Matia Marcantuoni stepped up tonight.

- Owen Sound is a tough team and seem to get in Kitchener's head. I would not want to play this team in the playoffs.

- Nice to see Zach Lorentz rebound from an invisible outing in Windsor.

JB's top three Rangers: Zach Lorentz, Matia Marcantuoni, Julian Melchiori

Midway mark

Not the most exciting game last night in Windsor, but the Kitchener Rangers wrapped up the season series with a 3-2 win.

New defenceman Stephen Midensky didn't play much, but looked just fine in his debut. Here is how Jim Parker of the Windsor Star saw the game.

The Rangers are back at it tonight against Owen Sound at the Aud for the first game of the second half of the season.

Cody Sol's fight with Ty Bilcke last night made YouTube. Cogeco's cameraperson was a bit late panning over to the action, but you get the gist.

 

Lots of Rangers in the news this morning.

U.S. junior hockey coach Dean Blais gives us the goods on Rangers' pick Jacob Trouba.

 

In this story, Trouba talks about wanting to play a physical role at the world junior championships. Trouba, a defenceman, has committed to the University of Michigan next year. But he is pegged to be an early first round draft pick and some have speculated that his NHL club may persuade him to join the OHL next season.

And according to the blog entry in the Edmonton Journal, Kitchener Rangers rookie Radek Faksa wants to be drafted by the Oilers.

As for the Rangers, they team has hit the midway point of the season with a record of 23-10-1-0, good for a tie for third overall in the OHL.

In keeping with the theme, here are some mid-season awards:

MVP: A tough call here. It was John Gibson in the first quarter and he has certainly been key to the team's run. But I'm going with Radek Faksa. He has been the most stable player in the lineup, missed just a few games and is far exceeding expectations as an import rookie. He still leads all OHL rookies with 33 points, made the world junior championships as a 17-year-old and has leaped into first round projections for the upcoming NHL draft. Honourable mention goes to Gibson and Tobias Rieder.

Biggest surprise: Many to choose from. You don't sport a winning record like the Rangers without a few surprises. Zach Lorentz has certainly stepped up his game and become a clutch goal scorer. Eric Ming seems to thrive on whatever line he is put on, and it has been many this season. But I have to go with goalie Franky Palazzese who has a better goals against average (2.47) and save percentage (.936) than Gibson. He has single handedly won a few games for the club in Gibson's absence.

Expected more: Still waiting on Ryan Murphy to break out. Same goes for Matia Marcantuoni and Brandon Francisco. I think it's safe to say this trio is capable of way more offensive production than it has produced (11 goals combined). Injuries have slowed a few of them but big things are expected in the second half.

Underrated: Cody Sol, Julian Melchiori, Ben Thomson. They don't put up big numbers but they haven't missed  a single game due to injury, log a ton of minutes, give a big effort and are, by far, the team's most consistent all-around players.



By the numbers: Only one Ranger has had more than three points in a game this season. Melchiori collected four helpers against Guelph earlier in the year. Kitchener is one of a few teams left in the OHL that does not have a shutout this season. Surprising, given the talent in goal.

Kitchener 3, Windsor 2

Driving through London is not fun, but the reward is warm temps and clear roads down here in Windsor.

The WFCU Centre is a zoo. I forgot the Under-17s were here. Kitchener Rangers assistant coach Troy Smith and his Team Ontario just won 5-0 over Germany. No points for Rangers rookie Brent Pedersen in the affair.

The Rangers should be here soon. I rolled by the bus somewhere around Woodstock. Once they arrive, I'll get the line combos. Though I know Matia Marcantuoni is going to be skating with Andrew Crescenzi and Zach Lorentz.

Out west at the world juniors, Rangers goalie John Gibson is taking the blame for the 4-1 loss to the Finns Wednesday night.

On a side note, former Guelph Storm defenceman Drew Doughty was the talk of the airwaves on the way down here. I guess he had a unique celebration after Jarret Stoll's goal last night for the L.A. Kings.

 

Whatever happened to a simple high-five?

Anyway, tonight's line combos are:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Lorentz-Crescenzi-Marcantuoni
Grant-Sterk-Ming
Meighan-Lesway

Sol-Murphy
Melchiori-Fanelli
Iafrate-Midensky
Genovese

Palazzese goes for the Rangers while John Cullen starts for Windsor.

Game summary

Puck points:

- Kitchener now has nine defencemen with the addition of Stephen Midensky (at least when Jared Gilbert returns).

- Gilbert is out with a broken wrist, but is slated to play Tuesday for the Kitchener Dutchmen on the Jr. B circuit as part of his rehab.

- Another big game for Franky Palazzese. He is sure giving the club a lot to think about in goal. Obviously Gibson isn't going to lose his job. But Franky P is in fine form.

- Funny line from Julian Melchiori who said that Midensky passes Palazzese as the skinniest guy on the team.

- The Rangers looked a little flat footed, perhaps to be expected in their first game back since the holiday.

- The coaching staff was not pleased with the refereeing. Let's just leave it at that.

- Brandon Francisco broke his baby toe in practice Wednesday and is out indefinitely. That should cool any thoughts that his omission from tonight's game put him on the trading block. The injury is considered minor.

- If Ryan Murphy and Matia Marcantuoni can get going offensively, this Rangers team is going to be a force.

- First time in a while that I haven't noticed Zach Lorentz on the ice.

JB's top three Rangers: Franky Palazzese, Curtis Meighan, Max Iafrate

Injuries? What injuries?

Tonight's game in Windsor marks the halfway point of the season and I still don't know what to make of the Kitchener Rangers.

This is a team, as the numbers show, that actually improves the more it gets injured. That's a trend that would not be sustained long term, especially with more road games in the second half. But it has kept the Rangers in contention and pushed them into the national top ten rankings.

The good news is that Tobias Rieder and Matia Marcantuoni both return to action tonight. That already makes captain Mike Catenacci better, since he thrives next to Rieder on the top line.

Marcantuoni needs to have a big second half to secure a high NHL draft position, so he's plenty motivated. This is a guy who was once ranked to go 12th overall. Now, he's in the second round at best.

In essence, it's as though the Rangers made two trades since they've been without both players for all of December.

Newcomer Stephen Midensky also starts on the blue line tonight. He practised with the club yesterday and looked comfortable. He does need to bulk up though.

Over at the worlds, it was a rough one for goalie John Gibson. The Rangers netminder allowed four goals as the Finns surprised the U.S. 4-1.

Rangers rookie Radek Faksa was also on the losing end as Canada blanked the Czechs 5-0. Faksa was minus-2 on the night.

Looking ahead

Earlier this year I gave readers a look at next year's squad, in a worst-case scenario.

To be fair, I thought I'd map out a potential best-case lineup. So, here we go.

The 2012-13 Kitchener Rangers could look like this:

Forwards:

Ben Thomson-Andrew Crescenzi-Tobias Rieder
Zach Lorentz-Radek Faksa-Matia Marcantuoni
Brandon Francisco-Josh Sterk-Eric Ming
Brent Pedersen-Curtis Meighan-Brandon Lesway

Extras: Keli Grant, Brett Clampitt, Justin Bailey, Adam Abu-Ali, Chris Maniccia, Zachary Aston-Reese

Defence:

Ryan Murphy-Jacob Trouba
Max Iafrate-Ben Fanelli
Evan McEneny-Jared Gilbert

Extras: Cory Genovese, Stephen Midensky, Jesse Young, Mitch Eden

Goalies:

John Gibson
Frank Palazzese

Extra: Jack Moylan

It sure makes for a crowded lineup, especially when you toss in a draft pick or two from the 2012 class. A shakedown like this would surely mean the Rangers would have to package 2-3 players for a stud up front.

Faksa makes his mark

Radek Faksa scored his first goal at the world junior hockey championships in last night's 7-0 Czech Republic win over Denmark.

Faksa notched the power play marker in the second period. He finished the game with four shots, a plus-one rating and a penalty for hooking.

Not bad for a 17-year-old. His ice-time was limited early on but increased as the Czechs put the game out of reach.

Faksa and his country are in tough this afternoon, as they take on Canada.

Rangers goalie John Gibson did not play in the United States' 11-3 pasting over Denmark on Monday. USA Hockey hasn't announced its starter for today's game against Finland, but it would make sense to give Gibson a go to see who has the hot hand. UPDATE: Gibson to start vs. Finland.

Gibson is battling Jack Campbell, who plays for the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, in goal. Campbell allowed all three goals in Monday's victory.

Rangers' draft pick Jacob Trouba had one assist in the win and was plus-two. He's not expected to play for the Rangers and has committed to the University of Michigan next year. But, he is slated to go as high as top five in the NHL draft next year and his pro club could nudge him toward the OHL. It has happened before.

The Rangers travel to Windsor Thursday for the first post-holiday game. Matia Marcantuoni and Tobias Rieder are expected back in the lineup. Newly signed defenceman Stephen Midensky is also expected to make his debut.

DRAFT UPDATE: I had a request earlier this week regarding the picks held by the club for next year's OHL draft. Thought I'd share it with everyone. The Rangers currently have picks in rounds 1, 3, 4, 6, two in 7, two in 8, 9, 10, two in 12, 14 and 15.

Trade time

Expect the rumours to start swirling in the next few weeks.

The Ontario Hockey League holiday trade freeze ends Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. The trade deadline is Jan. 10 at noon.

Are the Kitchener Rangers buyers or sellers? Time will tell.

My sense is that, unless overwhelmed by a too-good-to-be-true deal, the Rangers will stand pat.

Head coach and general manager Steve Spott has said that he will make moves that improve the club but hinted that he isn't shopping players or on the cusp of a blockbuster.

Here are some things to consider, with the trade deadline on the horizon. Deals are ones made under Spott's rule.

History: Spott is not a big wheeler and dealer. He has made trades since taking over as GM in 2008, but nothing of any major significance. Last year, the Rangers didn't make any moves around the deadline.

Biggest deal: In 2009, the Rangers acquired Brandon Maxwell, Jake Lalonde and three picks from Windsor for Scott Timmins, Ben Shutron and Josh Unice.

Best deals: Grabbing Gabriel Landeskog and a second round pick from Plymouth for Tomas Tatar, a first round import selection and a second and fourth rounder was a steal. Though, Landeskog did want out of Plymouth. Getting Tyler Randell for Brandon Mashinter and two picks worked out well in 2008.

Worst deals: Shane Prince to Ottawa for a third round pick was a bust. Sarnia appears to be winning the Maxwell for Brandon Francisco trade that was made this past off-season.

Market: The OHL market is thin, from a Rangers' perspective. There are some overage players and goalies available, but they don't fit the current Kitchener squad. Spott wants players who are 17 years old and younger and teams won't part with these kind of guys without asking a lot in return.

Needs: Kitchener is third overall in the OHL with 45 points. And if you read a few blogs down, you'll see they've done it with a patchwork lineup. The new year will see the club field a near full roster for the first time since opening night. So, in essence, getting guys such as Matia Marcantuoni back in the lineup, will be like acquiring a new player in a trade. That being said, the team could use scoring help on the wing. Andrew Crescenzi is the only 19-year-old, so there is room for a few future OAs, if Spott wants them.

Names: So who's out there? Fans following the sport know the big names already - Erie's Greg McKegg and Kingtson's Ryan Spooner lead the pack. I'm told if Kitchener wants McKegg, the discussion starts with Marcantuoni. And the Rangers aren't going to bite on that. Kitchener doesn't want to mortage the future or give up a ton of picks and that makes it tough to make a deal.

Murphy: Are teams kicking the tires? Of course. But defenceman Ryan Murphy's stock is at a low point. He has one goal and has suffered a serious injury (concussion). Opponents know his potential though and if the Rangers get a big offer, they'd take a look at it. That being said, a guy like Murphy has to approve a trade and it has to go through his agent as well (and you can bet Carolina would have a say). Same goes for any premier player. The worry is that Murphy might not be back next year. Even if that's the case, my sense is that the Rangers are happy to ride him for the rest of the season.

Defencemen: The club has nine potential defencemen on the roster for next season. And that has some fans thinking a move is in play. Spott says that is not the case and that there is no conspiracy to make a big move, just because the team is loading up on assets. Spott is preparing for the chance that stud rearguard Jake Trouba (US national team) doesn't report to Kitchener (he has a scholarship offer to U of Michigan and zero interest in playing in the OHL). Spott also likes to have lots of defencemen on his squad - for injuries and for depth at practice. He had a similar amount to start this season.

I'm not expecting much change, but I've been wrong before. Either way, it will be an interesting couple of weeks.

JB's top three Rangers

Early in the season I started rating my top three Rangers after every game. I got a bit of a late start on it and have only done it for the past 24 games.

My top three may not jive with the norm. I don't necessarily pick the top offensive performers. Typically, when the game ends, I sit back and try to think of which three players stood out the most in the match, the ones that were the most noticeable.

I look for things such as goals, assists, hustle, blocked shots and game changing plays, among other things.

I went through the ratings for the past 24 games and here are the top six players that were singled out as a top three Ranger, in my books.

Votes - player

11 - John Gibson, goalie
8 - Radek Faksa, forward
7 - Zach Lorentz, forward
6 - Tobias Rieder, forward
6 - Ben Thomson, forward
5 - Eric Ming, forward
5 - Franky Palazzese, goalie

The top three aren't too surprising. And I guess Rieder isn't either, since he leads the team in scoring.

Thomson is a gritty player who makes things happen and has been one of the most consistent Rangers this season.

Palazzese's recent hot streak helped him creep up the list.

Memorial Cup memories 2

Memorial Cup memories 1

Injury bug

It's no secret that injuries have hit the Kitchener Rangers hard.

Here's a look at the players who have visited the infirmary this season.

31 games - Evan McEneny, D, (knee)

14 games - Matia Marcantuoni, F, (concussion, shoulder)

11 games - Michael Catenacci, F, (concussion)

10 games - Andrew Crescenzi, F,  (hand)

10 games - Ryan Murphy, D,  (concussion)

10 games - Jared Gilbert, D, (wrist)

5 games - Max Iafrate, D, (concussion-like symptoms)

3 games - John Gibson, G, (back)

2 games - Tobias Rieder, F, (back)

1 game - Radek Faksa (fever)

Five changes I'd make

The Aud is a special hockey rink.

After touring about half of the arenas in the OHL, I can say that for a fact.

But there is always room for improvement.

Here are five changes I’d love to see at Kitchener Rangers games.

1. Anthem singer.

The Rangers need to get one. The school choirs are nice, but to truly rev up the crowd the team needs to find an animated singer to set the tone.

Someone along the lines of Mark Donnelly of the Vancouver Canucks or OPP officer Lyndon Slewidge of the Ottawa Senators. These guys are part of the show, give the club an identity and start the game off on the right note.

Earlier this season, Bryan Dunn did a solid job. He’d be an ideal candidate, or someone like him.

A regular face and voice, would add to the game day experience.

2. Promotion people in the crowd.

I think Kitchener is the only rink that doesn’t send its promotions staff and host into the crowd for interviews and contests.

Yes, they have a crew that tosses free stuff to fans. But one thing other rinks do, that the Rangers don’t, is get up close and personal with its clients.

In Mississauga, they honour a season ticket holder with a gift, interview and bio. Other rinks spend time chatting with kids.

I realize the team relays info on the big screen. But it comes off cold. You can only get the personal touch by directly interacting with the crowd.

3. Hecklers

Duke University has the Cameron Crazies. And these fans are legendary. Some spend hours researching their foes in order to come up with clever cheers that will throw Duke’s opponents off their game.

Rangers fans don’t have to go that far. But it would be nice if they got on the other team once in awhile, especially, those lucky enough to be sitting behind the visitor’s bench.

I mean, cripes, Tie Domi’s kid is on the Rangers’ arch rival. You couldn’t ask for better material. Or, as mentioned earlier this season, a "Maaaaxxx-welllll" chant when Sarnia is in town.

I’m not saying fans should be cruel, because they shouldn’t. But a few clever timely chants and maybe some barbs to the boys on the bench once in a while wouldn’t hurt.

It would be nice if the Aud had the repuation as being the hardest place to play a road game because of the relentless fans.

4. Noise.

Rangers fans are passionate, educated and loyal. But they aren’t as vocal as other rinks.

I sat in a quarter filled Erie arena and heard a handful of supporters make more noise. And it’s the same story around the OHL. Fewer fans at the rinks, way more volume.

Things go up a notch when Kitchener scores. Everyone chimes in to the music played after goals. But that’s about it.

Every game I hear one poor soul, who must have a seat near the pressbox, try to start a chant of “Let’s go Rangers” only to have nobody echo it back. God bless the guy, because he never stops trying.

More noise boosts the Rangers and, again, makes it harder for opponents to eke out a win.

5. Popcorn machine in the pressbox.

Hey, a guy can dream. I already requested one for the new pressbox when the renovations start at the Aud. But I don’t think it went over well.

Baby faces

Remember these guys? Some great old shots of former Rangers.

They are (clockwise): Matt Halischuk, Derek Roy, Dan Kelly and Justin Azevedo.

Rangers Christmas wish list

The fat man is coming soon and the Kitchener Rangers could use a few gifts under the tree.

Keli Grant and Jesse Young have certainly been good. They are the sole Rangers without a penalty minute this season.

But that doesn’t mean the other players and staff don’t deserve presents as well.

Here is how the Rangers’ Christmas list might look this season:

Coach/GM Steve Spott: A few injury free weeks for his club.

Brandon Francisco: Regular linemates.

Matia Marcantuoni: A healthy stretch of games.

John Gibson: A world junior hockey medal.

Brandon Lesway: His first OHL goal.

Trainer Dan Lebold: A new sewing machine. The old one must be on its last legs with all the different names he’s had to add to jerseys this season.

Michael Catenacci: More games with Tobias Rieder on his side.

Brent Pedersen: A few extra minutes per game.

Evan McEneny: A speedy recovery from knee surgery.

Cody Sol: A few country music CDs.

Franky Palezzese: A role in a movie. Have you seen his acting ability on the scoreboard during angers games? A born natural.

The rookies: A night off from carrying team gear to and from the bus.

As for me, I need a GPS so I can stop getting lost on my way to OHL rinks. Oh, and a Harrison Scarfone Rangers sweater. Love the name.

Rieder lifts Germans to promotion

Kitchener Rangers forward Tobias Rieder helped Germany win the world junior hockey championships Division 1A finals in Germany.

The Germans went undefeated with wins over Belarus, Norway, Slovenia, Great Britain and Austria.

Rieder led the tournament in scoring with 13 points over five games.

Germany has now been promoted to the main world championship for next season.

Rieder is expected to rejoin the Rangers after Christmas.

Where are they now?

A look at departures from last year’s club.

Jason Akeson: AHL, Adirondack Phantoms

Gabriel Landeskog: NHL, Colorado Avalanche

Matt Tipoff: CIS, Saint Mary’s Huskies

Jamie Doornbosch: CIS, Saint Mary’s Huskies

Tyler Randell: AHL, Providence Bruins

Jerry D’Amigo: AHL, Toronto Marlies

Chad Lowry: CIS, Laurier Golden Hawks

Ryan Lopes: OJHL, Georgetown Raiders

Ryan MacLean: CCHL, Nepean Raiders

Brandon Maxwell: OHL, Sarnia Sting

Michael Hasson: Jr. B, Elmira Sugar Kings

Charlie Dodero: OHL, Sudbury Wolves

Mike Morrison: OHL, Peterborough Petes

In praise of Palezzese

Let's give some kudos to goalie Franky Palazzese.

It's not often that a team can lose its starter and not flinch. But Franky has been on fire this season and especially over his last two starts.

Even though he picked up the loss Saturday in Owen Sound, he kept the Rangers in a game that the Attack were dominating.

Palazzese has made 87 saves over the past two starts (one win, one loss).

His .936 save percentage is second best in the OHL, behind Belleville's Malcolm Subban (.938).

It's break time for the Rangers and me too. It's been a fun first half, but when you're dreaming about the Rangers finding a loop hole in the rules to sign a 43-year-old forward, it's time for some days off.

That being said, please check back here often. There will be at least one blog per day over the holidays and any breaking news will be posted.

Owen Sound 3, Kitchener 1

A beautiful drive up to the Sound for tonight's game vs. the Attack.

Last one before the Kitchener Rangers break for Christmas. The lads return Dec. 29 against Windsor and will have Tobias Rieder and likely Matia Marcantuoni back in the lineup. Oh, and Stevy M will also make his debut in that game. For those wondering, Midensky is on a Junior A card.

It still won't be a complete roster, which the club hasn't seen all season. Goalie John Gibson will be at the world juniors, rookie Brent Pedersen at the Under-17 World Cup and Radek Faksa, if he makes the Czech team, would be busy at the WJC as well.

Faksa left for Calgary today and will not play tonight.

Franky Palazzese is back between the pipes and searching for his eighth consecutive victory tonight.

I'm told that Attack centre Artur Gavrus (19 pts, 23 games) has returned home to Belarus for Christmas and won't play tonight. Centre Jarrod Maidens is also out sick.

Looks like I beat the team bus. Will get line combos out when the Rangers pull into town.

And here they are:

Thomson-Catenacci-Francisco
Lorentz-Crescenzi-Ming
Pedersen-Sterk-Grant
Meighan-Lesway

Sol-Murphy
Melchiori-Fanelli
Genovese-Iafrate
Young

Palazzese in goal, Jordan Binnington for the Attack.

Game summary

Puck points:

- That's back to back amazing games for goalie Franky Palazzese. He deserved better tonight.

- The team seemed focused on getting revenge for the hit that put Michael Catenacci out with a concussion earlier in the year, and not on the game early on.

- You sure can notice offensive gaps when Tobias Rieder and Radek Faksa aren't in the lineup.

- When the Rangers weren't in the penalty box, the team looked good.

- Tough ending the first half on a loss, but the Rangers have to be impressed with their performance to date. Third in the OHL's western conference and a nationally ranked team? Not many predicted that.

- Cory Genovese was the only plus player for the Rangers (+1).

- Tough trying to get interviews when the team loses. No one wants to open up. Fair enough. But at least they talked to me. Can't say the same for the opposition.

JB's top three Rangers: Franky Palazzese, Andrew Crescenzi, Cory Genovese

Murphy talks juniors

Off to Owen Sound in a few hours for the last game before the Christmas break.

Before I leave, I wanted to get a few stories up.

First, Ryan Murphy talks about being home in Kitchener and getting cut from the world juniors. A tough time for the Rangers defenceman, but he seems to be motivated to prove Hockey Canada wrong.

Also, the Rangers signed defenceman Stephen Midensky yesterday. Several OHL teams were after him, but he landed in Kitchener. I caught up with him on his way into the arena last night for one of his last Markham Waxers games.

His addition means the club has a wealth of defenceman. Looking ahead to next year, the blue line looks like:

Murphy-Iafrate
Fanelli-McEneny
Midensky-Gilbert
Genovese-Young
Eden

Head coach and GM Steve Spott likes to have a surplus of defencemen. He had a similar amount to start this season. More to come from Owen Sound.