Rangers Report

Robinson taken to hospital

Kitchener Rangers forward Brandon Robinson left the ice on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital after colliding into the boards at Detroit Red Wings rookie camp.

The 18-year-old winger went into the boards head first after missing a bodycheck at the team's rookie showcase in Traverse City, Michigan in a game against the Minnesota Wild.

Robinson was attending Red Wings' camp as a free agent invite and participating in a tournament against the young guns of other NHL teams.

According to reports, Robinson never lost consciousness and was moving when he was taken off the ice.

 

From the Detroit Red Wings:

UPDATE: Brandon Robinson was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons; was fully conscious and has full movement

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 16, 2014

 And more:

Red Wings GM Ken Holland says Robinson moving extremities, talking. Doing an MRI as precautionary measure, but optimistic he's OK. (more)

— Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) September 16, 2014

Doc said Robinson was aware he went into the boards awkwardly and began experiencing neck pain immediately

— Brendan Savage (@BrendanSavage) September 16, 2014  

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A doctor said Robinson was taken to Munson Medical Center where he'll likely have an MRI and X-rays to check for a cervical spinal fracture

— Brendan Savage (@BrendanSavage) September 16, 2014  

Promising signs

Yes, we're three games into exhibition play. And, yes, it is exhibition hockey.

But the early returns are good for the Kitchener Rangers in between the pipes. Goaltending is the biggest question mark heading into the season and - so far - it has looked strong.

In three games the Rangers have allowed three goals against, five if you count the half period played in the cancelled game against Niagara.

And that's not half bad.

I think it speaks to the overall commitment to team defence and to the effort Jordan DeKort and Matt Greenfield made in the off-season to improving.

There still isn't a No. 1 netminder per se, but if DeKort spins another gem on Wednesday (assuming he gets the start, but it is his turn), he'd be the front runner to start the season opener.

Either way, the puck stopping performance is encouraging as of now.

***

Thinking C Matia Marcantuoni may return for his OA year? Well, he's impressing at Pens' camp and scored in a 5-4 shootout win over Chicago Sunday.

Speaking of alumnus, Radek Faksa had a goal and two helpers for the Stars in a 4-2 win against Carolina Saturday.

***

Remember F Kegan Blasby? He's off to a strong start in the German Development League with seven goals and five assists in the first six games for the Star Bulls.

He's just 18 and could return next season though I imagine bolting the club to go to Germany this season doesn't sit too well with the Rangers.

Davies makes timely return

It was fitting that Mike Davies returned to action last night for the Kitchener Rangers.

After all, the club was playing in Beamsville, a stone's throw or so away from his hometown of Thorold.

The Rangers got off to a 2-0 lead but lost 3-2 in a shootout, though it should be noted that the team iced just three forward lines and were missing seven regulars.

Davies missed all of training camp and the pre-season to date with a back injury but looked good and says he's back in top form.

He scored the Rangers' opening goal and was rocked twice by big hits but rebounded nicely and remained in the game.

Davies said he's coming off his best summer yet and worked tirelessly on improving his skating. The Rangers are hoping the former first round draft pick can be a scoring threat after potting just five goals as a rookie.

Niagara 3, Kitchener 2 (SO, in Beamsville)

First impressions of the Town of Lincoln Community Complex (naming rights still for sale BTW) are great.

I have a seat, wireless and the barn still has that new car smell. I'm told tonight's tilt between Kitchener and Niagara is the first "major" event in the rink.

And, so far, the ice seems to be working. For those keeping track, there is good news for the Aud's surface as well. The rink should be fully fixed and operational by Monday.

On to the hockey.

It's Rangers light tonight with so many players gone to NHL camps.

Kitchener:

Mike Davies-Gustaf Franzen-James Mense-Dietrich
Jacob Cascagnette-Curtis Meighan-Mark Bzowey
Mason Kohn-Adam Mascherin-Scott Teskey

Sean Allen-Liam Maaskant
Frank Hora-Logan Schmidt
Doug Blaisdell-Dylan Di Perna
Max Iafrate

Matt Greenfield gets the start with Jordan DeKort in the back up role.

Niagara:

Billy Jenkins-Mikkel Aagaard-Mitch Fitzmorris
Hayden McCool-Graham Knott-Jordan Maletta
Matt Gillard-Ben Hughes-Chris Paquette
Nick Halagian-John Corneil-Evan  Krassey

Aleksandar Mikulovich-Vince Dunn
Zach Wilkie-Jack Wierenga
John Schaefer

MacKenzie Savard starts.

Puck points:

- F Mike Davies is making his pre-season debut tonight and in his hometown(ish) to boot. His fam is en route and he's raring to go.

- Goalie Izzy Benigno has been reassigned to the Jr. B Kitchener Dutchmen but is currently out with an injury.

- Newly signed rookie blueliner Connor Hall is day to day with a shoulder stinger and the team is hoping he can make his debut Wednesday against Sudbury.

- Max Iafrate and Nick Magyar leave Saturday for NHL camps. Iafrate is seeing action tonight since he's played just one exhibition game.

- F Connor Bunnaman is also out with an injury and is getting checked out Saturday but hopes to play in Wednesday's exhibition game.

- Mason Kohn, Liam Maaskant and Curtis Meighan wearing A's.

- Kitchener goals to Mike Davies, Mason Kohn; Assists: James Mense-Dietrich, Gustaf Franzen, Adam Mascherin, Scott Teskey.

- Solid game for Mascherin who, aside from the helper, rocketed the puck off the post in the second period.

- Shootout saw Davies and Franzen miss, Aagaard and Jenkins score for Niagara.

- Matt Greenfield made 27 saves in the loss while 15-year-old IceDogs goalie Stephen Dhillon was perfect in half a game.

Hall inks deal with Rangers

The Kitchener Rangers added depth at the blue line by signing rookie defenceman Connor Hall to a deal Wednesday.

The Cambridge native was drafted in the third round (56th overall) in this year' s OHL draft. The 6-foot-2 rearguard had six goals and 10 assists in 30 games for the Cambridge Hawks last season.

He will likely see action Friday in Niagara with a couple of regulars missing from the lineup due to NHL rookie camp commitments.

Hall is the fourth player from this year's OHL draft to ink a deal with the Rangers, joining first round forward Adam Mascherin, second round forward Connor Bunnaman and third round blueliner Sean Allen.

***

Former Rangers goalie Jack Moylan is back in the Jr. B loop.

The Tillsonburg native reached an agreement with the Brantford 99ers in the GOJHL's midwestern conference to be the team's No. 1 goalie.

At one time, Moylan was seen as the goalie of the future at the Aud but was never really given a solid string of starts to prove himself in Kitchener. He finished with a record of 3-3 over three seasons with the Rangers.

GM Murray Hiebert traded Moylan to Sudbury for a 15th round pick last October. Moylan attended the Wolves' training camp but was cut in the pre-season.

***

The CHL released its pre-season top 10 today. Here is how it looks:

1. Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
2. Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
3. Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
4. Quebec Remparts, QMJHL
5. Kelowna Rockets, QMJHL
6. Soo Greyhounds, OHL
7. Calgary Hitmen, WHL
8. Guelph Storm, OHL
9. Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
10. Portland Winterhawks, WHL

HM: Charlottetown Islanders, Plymouth Whalers, Seattle Thunderbirds

- Not sure if I see Kingston as the top team in the OHL. Certainly among the contenders in the east but best in the league? Might be a stretch at this point.

- Glad Guelph didn't get overlooked. Heard a lot of hockey heads saying they were going to take a major step back. I just don't see it. Fabbri, Dickinson, Bertuzzi, Pierog, Auger and Suter is a solid six up front. Both goalies back and maybe even some high end D.

- Plymouth will be solid, but HM? Would have put Erie in this slot.

Ice issues ongoing at Aud

The team at the Aud is on the case but the ice issues remain.

Maintenance crews have idenitfied the area of the leaky pipe but can't find the leak itself, which could be as small as a pin point.

The Rangers are confident all will be fixed by Wednesday's exhibition game against the Sudbury Wolves.

For now, they're practising at the Activa Sportsplex.

***

In case you didn't hear, the London Knights landed top prospect Victor Mete yesterday for their immediate future - three second round picks, two thirds and a sixth that can become a third.

Mete, who is already being heralded as the next Ryan Murphy, was drafted eighth overall in this year's draft by the Owen Sound Attack but refused to report.

A lack of a private school education and being close to a university are said to have been the sticking points for passing on the Sound.

Youth on display

There will be some fresh faces in new roles this week for the Kitchener Rangers.

Eight of the team's regulars are off to NHL camps which opens the door for the youngsters to step up and show what they can do.

By Friday the team is expected to be without Justin Bailey (Buf), Nick Magyar (Col), Ryan MacInnis (Ari), Max Iafrate (Col), Darby Llewellyn (Det), Dmitrii Sergeev (Stl), Brandon Robinson (Det) and Brent Pedersen (Car).

Here are five names to watch for Friday's friendly against Niagara:

Mike Davies: Last year's first round draft pick has yet to hit the ice for the Rangers after suffering a back injury about a week before training camp. The 17-year-old forward had five goals and three assists playing mostly as a fourth line guy last year and the team needs him to take a step forward this time around. He's certainly eager to get going.

James Mense-Dietrich: He's sort of flying under the radar at camp since he doesn't carry the cache of a top pick. But JMD has been one of the biggest surprises. He has shown some offensive pop but more importantly he's turned into one of the most consistent workers in pre-season play. He's a long shot to make the roster but he's getting noticed and making it tough for coaches to cut him.

Adam Mascherin: It has been a relatively quiet pre-season for the team's first round pick (second overall) in this year's draft. No points for the Monster Masch but no other player is being watched as closely either. He has flashed some nifty stickwork and looks good in the offensive zone which leads one to believe it's just a matter of time until he messes the mesh.

Mason Kohn: The second year forward has thrived in a support role for the Rangers. Now that all the big dogs are gone to NHL camps he'll see an increase in ice time and responsibility. It'll be interesting to see how he adjusts. So far, he's looked hungry and capable in exhibition play.

Sean Allen: With two blueliners NHL bound for the next week or so, Allen won't be a numbers casualty on the roster. He officially signed on with the Rangers last week so that distraction is gone. I'm not sure you'll see a kid who is happier to be with the club than Allen. And so far, that enthusiasm has translated to the ice.

Aud update

This just in from the Kitchener Rangers regarding last night's ice issues:

The City of Kitchener has confirmed that a leak in the brine line was the cause of last night's ice safety issues. This leak has been isolated, and staff will be working through the night to correct the problem.

The Rangers' scheduled practice for Saturday, September 6 has been relocated to Sportsworld Arena to allow for continued repairs and ice replacement at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

The Kitchener Rangers' final exhibition game against the Sudbury Wolves will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, September 17 at 7 p.m.

Hole-y crap

At least it's the pre-season.

Tonight's game between the Kitchener Rangers and Niagara IceDogs was cancelled due to a hole in the ice.

The affair ended with 6:39 to go in the first period and the Rangers down 2-1 to the visitors. Crews tried to fix the problem for about 45 minutes with no luck.

I'm writing this about an hour after the Aud has cleared out and workers are still on the ice chipping away at the issue.

Sounds like the problem will be fixed by the team's next home game on Sept. 17.

For questions regarding tickets and such, I give you this official missive.

From the Kitchener Rangers:

Due to poor ice conditions, the remainder of tonight's Kitchener Rangers home exhibition contest against the Niagara IceDogs has been cancelled.

The game will not be rescheduled.

Single Game Ticket Holders:
Those who purchased individual tickets to tonight's game can exchange their ticket and attend our final exhibition contest against the Sudbury Wolves on Wednesday, September 17, or can refund their ticket for the original purchase price.

Please visit the Box Office, or call for more information (519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977).

Season Ticket Holders:
Refunds will not be offered to season ticket holders, as these tickets are included at no extra charge.

Game Worn Jersey Draw:
Fans who purchased tickets in the Game Worn Jersey draw are encouraged to check their tickets. The winning ticket number is 4685304. To arrange for pick-up, please contact Rochelle Thiel at 519 576 3700 ex. 239.

Niagara 2, Kitchener 1 (suspended)

Niagara is in town for exhibition game No. 2. tonight at the Aud.

There is lots of pre-season buzz about the IceDogs taking the eastern conference title. The team did just pull off the biggest trade for one player in OHL history when it sent F Logan Brown to the Spitfires for six draft picks.

Surprisingly, the Rangers didn't do half bad against the Puppies last season and snagged an SO win and an OT loss.

This season, they'll have the luxury of playing Niagara in a normal rink as the club has moved from the cramped Gatorade Garden to the new Meridian Centre.

Kitchener:

Darby Llewellyn-Ryan MacInnis-Justin Bailey
Brent Pedersen-Curtis Meighan-Gustaf Franzen
Mason Kohn-Adam Mascherin-James Mense-Dietrich
Mark Bzowey-Connor Bunnaman-Jacob Cascagnette

Doug Blaisdell-Max Iafrate
Frank Hora-Dylan Di Perna
Dmitrii Sergeev-Liam Maaskant

Jordan DeKort is tabbed as the starter with Matt Greenfield as backup.

Niagara:

Billy Jenkins-Carter Verhaeghe-Anthony DiFruscia
Brendan Perlini-Graham Knott-Cody Caron
Hayden McCool-Mikkel Aagaard-Jordan Maletta
Matt Gillard-Ben Hughes-Chris Paquette

Aleksandar Mikulovich-Ryan Mantha
Vince Dunn-Blake Siebenaler
Zach Wilkie-Aaron Haydon

Blake Richard starts with Stephen Dhillon as the back up.

Puck points:

- Well that was a weird one. Game cancelled with 6:39 to go in the first period due to a hole in the ice. As for the rest of the night, see notes below.

- Straight from the horse's mouth - it's Ryan Ma-Kin-ness, not Ma-Gin-ness. Always wanted to know the answer to that as the latter gets used a lot around the Aud.

- F Mike Davies remains out with a sore back. He tweaked it working out a week before camp but is hoping to practise this week and return to pre-season action next Friday.

- Ribbon part of new scoreboard at centre ice and video board by blues in use for tonight's tilt. Looks great.

- As it turns out, D Logan Schmidt has not been invited to Detroit Red Wings rookie camp. Rangers had it mixed up but at least that gives them an extra defenceman before the mass exodus begins.

- Chatted with IceDogs boss Marty Williamson and he says the team is really going to miss former Ranger Eric Ming this season, but still likes the look of his team.

- The first period ended with 6:39 to go due to a hole in the ice the Aud. The time was added to the second period.

- Kitchener's PP units: Hora, Sergeev, Pedersen, Meighan and Mascherin; No. 2 - Llewellyn, MacInnis, Bailey, Iafrate, Franzen.

- Impressive effort by the tandem of Mason Kohn and James Mense-Dietrich in the first period. Fellas were working hard.

- Looks like the Rangers won't be as easy to push around this season. Already seeing more aggressivness from Iafrate, Maaskant, Hora, Di Perna and Pedersen. A good sign moving forward.

- Kitchener goals: Llewellyn, assists: Bailey, MacInnis. Niagara: G - Dunn, Mikulovich, A - DiFruscia, Aagaard.

The American Eight

You might not want to hear this but next year is primed to be the big one for the Kitchener Rangers.

It's then that a good core of the lineup will be age appropriate to make a big push in the OHL. It's also a time when other current top teams - Erie and the Soo - should take a step back.

Think about next year's 19-year-old nucleus - Nick Magyar, Ryan MacInnis, Darby Llewellyn and Frank Hora among others.

Toss in sophomore seasons for Adam Mascherin, Connor Bunnaman and Gustaf Franzen, solid 18-year-olds in Doug Blaisdell, Mason Kohn and Mike Davies and potential OAs in Brandon Robinson, Brent Pedersen and one of the two current goalies and it's a nice bunch.

What's missing are a few players to put the group over the top.

And that's where the American Eight come in.

They are, in not short order, an octet of elite talent all currently playing hockey south of the border and all Rangers property.

The list includes U.S. U-18 players F Jeremy Bracco, D Charles McAvoy and G Luke Opilka; U.S. U-17 players D Grififn Luce and D Adam Fox, USHL players G Chris Birdsall and F Jake Henderson and U.S. U-18 Ivan Hlinka tournament leading scorer F Thomas Novak.

All are committed to NCAA schools. All but Griffin and Luce are up for this year's draft. And it's during their draft year or after they're drafted that American players often make the jump to the OHL.

Rangers GM Murray Hiebert isn't expecting the entire lot to arrive at the Aud - though he would welcome it. But if Kitchener can snag a few of them it will go a long way into building a serious contender.

That is, if they aren't there already. After all, the season still hasn't started and we have yet to see how this year's group will fare.

Sunday revisited

Now that we've had a few days to let Sunday's win marinate, let's talk some Rangers.

I realize it's Wednesday, but my long weekend ended yesterday so we're a bit behind but that's not stopping the chat.

So the Rangers won. Remember what that is like? If not, no worries. As mentioned in the game story, it has been a while - as in the Olympics were still running the last time it happened.

How easy it is to forget the 11-game slide the team had to end the season. But that's yesterday's news and it's pre-season which means hope is in the air.

And the Rangers, considering it was the first game in months and a friendly at that, looked pretty good.

A few thoughts to ponder:

- The offence is there. The team was all over Mississauga in terms of shots and many of them quality. The problem is scoring chances. More players need to crash the net to pick up rebounds, create traffic and screen the opposing goalie. Two of the team's best - Brent Pedersen and Darby Llewellyn - did not dress, so their addition should help that.

- Early views of Swedish import Gustaf Franzen are promising. He's crafty with the puck, quick and has great instincts. He looked like a real pro easily scoring on the shootout. He'll only get better as he adjusts to a new league.

- I really like rookie forward Connor Bunnaman's game. He's effective but doesn't try to do too much. He doesn't panic and has a confidence that you seldom see in rookies. He might be a real sleeper this season.

- Matt Greenfield will probably be the first to say that he wasn't happy with the goal he gave up. But, to his credit, he shut the door the rest of the way (save one shootout goal). I thought it was a pretty solid start for a first game back. My guess is that Jordan DeKort goes Friday with Izzy Benigno up on Sunday in Mississauga.

- Defence continues to be an issue. And I don't just mean the back end. Team defence in general needs to tighten up. But, again, these are things that take some time and aren't going to be perfect in Game 1 of the pre-season. While six of the seven blue-liners are back, the defensive unit still remains very young. And that makes OA Liam Maaskant an even nicer addition.

- It was great to see and talk to a bunch of fans during Sunday's game. The early mood I'm getting is that there won't be that much of a leash from the stands. Supporters are anxious to see the Rangers get back in the playoffs and begin winning games and there won't be much sympathy for a lack of effort or slow start.