Rangers Report

Hague best with the books

Kitchener native Nic Hague, a defenceman with the Mississauga Steelheads, won the OHL's Bobby Smith Trophy as the scholastic player of the year.

The rearguard rocked an 82 per cent average while studying an array of subjects at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga. 

Teammate Damian Bourne was named the top high school student while Flint's Kyle Keyser was the league's top post-secondary student this past season.

Rangers forward Adam Mascherin was Kitchener's rep on the all-academic team for the second consecutive season.

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Speaking of smartsy things, a new hockey school called Victus Academy will be starting in September at Sportsworld.

The school will combine on-ice training with academics and has a few Rangers ties. Former assistant coach Greg Bignell is running the hockey side while ex-captain Ben Fanelli and current goalie coach Kain Tisi are also on board.

Hiebert: Rangers on 'right path'

Kitchener Rangers GM Murray Hiebert sat down yesterday and talked hockey.

He candidly answered 10 questions that touched on the season that was, the future and his philosophies on building a winner.

Some of the topics included - the goalie situation, overage players, trades, toughness and being an elite team in the OHL.

It's an interesting year ahead.

The Rangers will have some intriguing pieces back but in a lot of ways will be in rebuilding mode.

Season highlight #1

1. Rangers oust Windsor in five

It was shaping up to be a long series.

Kitchener, ranked fourth in the OHL’s western conference, was up against the fifth seeded Windsor Spitfires in the quarter-finals.

The Spits won the season series 3-1, which only added more drama to the playoff clash.

But the Rangers came out with confidence.

The top line of Ryan MacInnis, Brandon Robinson and Jeremy Bracco was on fire. Goalie Dawson Carty was strong in relief of starter Luke Opilka. And defenceman Frank Hora returned just in time from a hand injury to boost the blue line.

The Rangers rolled over Windsor in five games.

It was Kitchener’s first playoff series win since 2013.

And it felt good.

The momentum didn’t carry over to the semis against the London Knights. But the experience should serve the youngsters on the squad well when they return next season.

The series clincher against Windsor was on home ice and that was a nice treat for fans who had endured two down seasons.

Season highlight #2

2. Win streak reaches 11 games

It started with an 8-2 thrashing at the Aud against the Sudbury Wolves on Oct. 12.

It ended almost a month later on Nov. 7 in Kingston.

The 5-3 loss to the Frontenacs ended a season-high 11-game winning streak for the Rangers.

It was Kitchener’s first regulation loss of the season.

And what a ride it was.

It was good times around East Avenue during the first half of the season. Kitchener, it seemed, could do no wrong.

The Rangers got revenge against the Fronts when they won 3-1 on home ice on Jan. 10.

Season highlight #3

3. Jeremy Bracco chooses OHL

It was like the Rangers made a trade without making one in late October.

Kitchener received a season changing boost when winger Jeremy Bracco decided to leave Boston College for the Aud.

It didn’t take the Toronto Maple Leafs second round draft pick long to fit in.

Bracco had two helpers in his debut and finished the season with 21 goals and 43 assists in 49 games.

He was a power play specialist, dazzled fans with his skating and fit right in on the team’s top line.

Bracco should resume that role next season and could be in for a monster second year in the OHL.

Season highlight #4

4. Ryan MacInnis pots four goals

It was a Mac attack in Peterborough on Oct. 29.

The Rangers pummeled the Petes 7-2 and the captain had four goals on five shots for the visitors.

MacInnis went on to have a team-high 38 markers and five more tallies in the playoffs and was the only player to score four in one game all season for Kitchener.

Season highlight #5

5. Adam Mascherin breaks out

Kitchener’s top pick (second overall) from 2014 showed flashes of greatness during his rookie season but took a serious step forward as a sophomore.

Winger Adam Mascherin went from 12 goals and 29 points as a freshman to 35 markers and 81 points this past season, which tied him for the team lead with Ryan MacInnis

NHL Central Scouting has Mascherin ranked 42^nd among North American skaters for this year’s draft.

And fans at the Aud probably have two more years to watch him soar.

Season highlight #6

6. A comeback in Erie

It was a rough stretch for the Rangers in mid-February.

The team dropped three of four to clubs lower in the standings in Hamilton, Flint and Owen Sound.

The bright spot was a 5-4 victory against the Canadian Hockey League’s top ranked Erie Otters on Feb. 13.

Kitchener was down 3-0 at the Erie Insurance Arena midway through the second period when the Rangers rallied.

Two goals from David Miller and Adam Mascherin and a single by Miles Liberati had the visitors up by a pair.

It was a statement game for the Rangers and proved the team could hang with the league’s elite teams.

Season highlight #7

7. Meireles nets five points

Perhaps it was a glimpse of things to come.

It was only the third OHL game for rookie Greg Meireles but the team’s first round draft pick in 2015 erupted for two goals and three assists in Kitchener’s 8-2 romp against the Sudbury Wolves on Oct. 12.

The Ottawa native opted to play hockey at home this past season and signed a contract that allowed him to suit up for 10 games with the Rangers.

Meireles ended up playing seven but is expected to be a full-time player at the Aud next season.

He'll join 2016 first rounder D Giovanni Vallati as a solid one-two rookie punch to kick off the campaign.

Locals shine at U18 worlds

It's a proud moment for local minor hockey associations.

Four players developed in Waterloo Region are on the world stage playing for Canada at the Under-18 world hockey championships in North Dakota.

It may be the most this region has ever sent to a national hockey team at one time.

The players include:

D Connor Hall. Cambridge native, played for Hawks, now with the Kitchener Rangers.

D Logan Stanley, Waterloo native, played for Wolves, now with Windsor Spitfires.

D Nic Hague, Kitchener native, played for Jr. Rangers, now with Mississauga Steelheads.

F Boris Katchouk, Waterloo native, played for Wolves, now with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Canada wrapped up round robin play at 4-0 and takes on the Swiss in the quarters Thursday evening. The team is three wins away from claiming gold.

Said Hall: "Having four guys from the same area just shows that guys from the little towns can make it here. We had lots of rivalries growing up but right now it's good that we're teammates."

Franzen heads home

It was time to turn pro.

So Gustaf Franzen is going home.

The Kitchener Rangers centre was seriously considering one more year at the Aud as an overage player but couldn't pass up an opportunity to play at Sweden's highest level, earn a paycheck and be near family and friends.

Franzen will be play for Orebro HK in Sweden's top league. He leaves for his new team today.

The Swede spent two seasons with the Rangers and was a staple as the pivot on the team's second line.

But it was his play away from the puck that coaches coveted most as he was one of Kitchener's top defensive forwards and played in all situations.

His absence - along with defenceman Dmitrii Sergeev - means the Rangers will have two selections in this year's CHL import draft.

Player movement

Just a few player updates to pass along.

Forward Jeremy Bracco is practising with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. The Toronto Maple Leafs second round draft pick is soaking up life at the next level and learning from the pros.

Toronto's best-of-five division semifinal against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers starts Saturday.

Defenceman Dmitrii Sergeev (St. Louis Blues) has returned home to Russia.

Centre Ryan MacInnis went pointless in two games with Springfield. The Falcons did not qualify for the AHL playoffs.

Also, I've had a few folks ask about rookie camp - it's May 13-15 back at Activa.

Season highlight #8

8. The emergence of Dawson Carty

He was labelled the back up but goalie Dawson Carty proved to be one of the most valuable Rangers this season.

Carty didn’t lose his first game in regulation until Feb. 12.

His 15-2-1-0 record was stellar and his 2.36 goals against average and .916 save percentage was just shy of league leader Tyler Parsons who posted 2.33 and .921 numbers with the London Knights.

When Kitchener starter Luke Opilka was pulled from Game 1 in the first round of the playoffs Carty took over and never gave up the crease until the Rangers were eliminated by the Knights in the second round.

Carty is eligible to return next season as an overage player.

Season highlight #9

9. The night the lights went out

It was a normal mid-January night at the Aud until the 2:34 mark of the first period.

That’s when — in a split second — the building went dark. A nearby power outage was to blame.

The glowing screens of smartphones held by fans brightened up the barn until the generators kicked in.

There was talk of the game being cancelled but power was restored about 15 minutes later.

And it’s a good thing because Kitchener rallied from a 3-2 deficit to beat the Mississauga Steelheads 5-3 on Jan. 15.

A win and some darkness sure made it a memorable night.

Season highlight #10

10. Robby Fabbri

It was one of those trades that came out of nowhere.

Rangers GM Murray Hiebert sent a third and two conditional second round draft picks to the Guelph Storm for star forward Robby Fabbri at the Ontario Hockey League’s trade deadline in January.

The only problem?

Fabbri was with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues at the time. The hope was that the elite centre would be sent back to junior and join the Rangers for the second half of the season and a playoff run.

Of course, it never happened.

Had it worked out, it would have been a small price to pay for a major difference maker. As it turned out, the Rangers gave up a third round selection for nothing. At least the two second round picks come back to the Aud.

But the move did create some buzz until the addition of Fabbri was officially ruled out about a month after the transaction.

And the winners are ...

The Rangers dished out their year-end awards Saturday night at the Aud.

Here's how it went down:

Most valuable player: Ryan MacInnis

Playoff performer: Jeremy Bracco

Defensive ability: Frank Hora

Most popular player: Jacob Cascagnette

Outstanding team effort: Mason Kohn

Offensive defenceman: Miles Liberati

Most improved player: Adam Mascherin

Rookie of the year: Elijah Roberts

Scoring leader: Adam Mascherin and Ryan MacInnis

Most gentlemanly player: Jeremy Bracco

Three star award: Ryan MacInnis

Humanitarian award: Nick Magyar

***

Rangers defenceman, and Cambridge native, Connor Hall was added to Canada's roster for the Under-18 world championships underway in North Dakota. Kitchener rearguard Nic Hague and Waterloo blueliner Logan Stanley also made the team. Canada is currently 2-0.

***

Ryan MacInnis has been called up by the AHL's Springfield Falcons. Waterloo native Kyle Wood has joined him. Meanwhile, Gustaf Franzen will not be returning and will instead ply his trade in Sweden.

That's a wrap

Take a look at that photo.

That's two consecutive years the Rangers have left the ice to a scene like that.

This time London swept Kitchener in four games on the strength of a four-goal third period comeback Thursday at the Aud.

It was a tough one to watch.

After so many highs it all came to an abrupt end. And now, it's on to next season.

London? They'll have almost everyone back. The Knights will have to replace top centre Chrisitan Dvorak. One reporter joked that the Knights will go find someone and maybe trade for Travis Konecny. We all laughed knowing that something along those lines is likely in the Hunters' plans.

The Rangers will be young, fast and skilled. But the west will be loaded yet again with London, Erie, Windsor and Sarnia icing top squads, as of now.

The season is done but Rangers news never ends.

The team will be holding its annual awards night Saturday at the Aud. It's free and doors open at 6:20 p.m.

Here's my stab at the winners:

MVP: Ryan MacInnis
Defensive ability: Frank HoraMost improved: Adam Mascherin
Playoff performer: Ryan MacInnis
Outstanding team effort: Darby Llewellyn
Offensive defenceman: Miles Liberati
Top rookie: Connor Hall
Most gentlemanly player: Gustaf Franzen

As for the blog, you know the drill. I'll be popping in regularly to post Rangers news during the off-season.

Game 4: London 6, Kitchener 4

One game. One shift. One play.

It's about keeping it simple for the Kitchener Rangers, who trail the London Knights 3-0 in the western conference semifinal.

The season could end tonight. Or it could be the beginning of a remarkable comeback.

The Rangers believe.

You gotta think the Rangers will take at least one off London. And then, maybe that momentum can turn into something.

There were some good signs despite the loss in Game 3.

***

Coach Mike Van Ryn is a finalist for OHL coach of the year.

He's up against Stan Butler (North Bay), Kris Knoblauch (Erie), Paul McFarland (Kingston), Rocky Thompson (Windsor) and Dale Hawerchuk (Barrie).

Rangers captain Ryan MacInnis is the team's entry for OHL most outstanding player.

Waterloo's Boris Katchouk (Soo) is up for rookie of the year.

Full list of nominees here.

Kitchener:

Brandon Robinson-Ryan MacInnis-Jeremy Bracco
Mason Kohn-Gustaf Franzen-Adam Mascherin
Darby Llewellyn-Connor Bunnaman-David Miller
Jake Henderson-Jacob Cascagnette-Nick Magyar

Connor Hall-Frank Hora
Doug Blaisdell-Dylan Di Perna
Dmitrii Sergeev-Miles Liberati

Dawson Carty (4-4) starts.

London:

Matthew Tkachuk-Christian Dvorak-Mitch Marner
Aaron Berisha-Cliff Pu-Robert Thomas
Chandler Yakimowicz-Owen MacDonald-J.J. Piccinich
Daniel Bernhardt-Chad Heffernan-Evan Bouchard

Chris Martenet-Victor Mete
Olli Juolevi-Jacob Graves
Brandon Crawley-Aiden Jamieson

Tyler Parsons (7-2) starts.

Game summary

Brownie points:

- The march is over. The Rangers came to play and had three goal leads twice but London is just a machine.

- Mitch Marner scored a hat trick and will likely get credited with a fourth goal after tipping in Jacob Graves' third period marker. He was such a difference maker in this series and a treat to watch.

- It's as though London waits until they realize they have to turn it up a notch and then just go to a different level. No lead was safe in this series.

- Kitchener was very physical early on and showed a lot of emotion and it threw London off. The result was a 3-0 lead.

- Knights goalie Tyler Parsons looked human in this one. Dawson Carty might like to have that Cliff Pu goal back but again made some killer saves.

- Kitchener struck on the power play for the first time in the series when Frank Hora scored with the man advantage.

- Ex-Knight David Bolland was at the Aud to take in Game 4.

- There will be lots of time to look ahead to next year's Rangers squad and dissect the strengths and weaknesses of the season that was. Tonight isn't that time.

- We can say farewell to overagers Brandon Robinson, Brian Brosnan and Miles Liberati. Ryan MacInnis is also pro bound and Gustaf Franzen and Dmitrii Sergeev will likely join him. Three of Dawson Carty, Darby Llewellyn, David Miller, Nick Magyar, Frank Hora and Dylan Di Perna also won't be back next season. Jeremy Bracco could also move on to the AHL.

- Coach Mike Van Ryn was classy to come right out and talk to the media at a tough time. Players too. All year they've been accommodating to my many interview requests.

- It was a fun season to cover the Rangers. They were one of the top teams despite an insane amount of injuries. MacInnis established himself as a top centre in the league. Adam Mascherin and Connor Hall took big steps. The rookie crop is fast and exciting. Lots to look forward to.

JB's top three Rangers: Darby Llewellyn, Jeremy Bracco, Dmitrii Sergeev

On the brink

The task ahead is monumental.

Plain and simple, the Kitchener Rangers have to win four straight games to move on in the playoffs.

Against the London Knights no less.

London surged ahead 3-0 in the western conference semifinal in a come from behind 2-1 overtime victory Tuesday at the Aud.

The Rangers, it seems, just can't catch a break.

The club has played solid hockey in the past two games and led both contests late before relinquishing the lead.

The Knights entered the third period down 1-0 last night and it felt like the team just flicked a switch and decided it was time to turn it up a notch.

The big guns tied it and Chandler Yakimowicz was the unlikely OT hero scoring his first goal of the post-season and seventh all season.

It was a deflating loss. But the Rangers are still standing. Game 4 goes Thursday at the Aud.

Game 3: London 2, Kitchener 1 (OT)

Familiar surroundings are a good thing.

The Kitchener Rangers were 24-7-2-1 at home this season. Only London had a better home winning percentage in the western conference.

That's a good thing for the Rangers who trail the Knights 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and desperately need a win to get back in it.

So far the playoffs have been positive for two top Toronto Maple Leafs prospects.

Kitchener's Jeremy Bracco (2nd round pick) and London's Mitch Marner (1st round) both lead their teams in scoring and have become good friends since being chosen by the Buds.

But their friendship is understandably on hold as they go head-to-head in the series.

Kitchener:

Brandon Robinson-Ryan MacInnis-Jeremy Bracco
Mason Kohn-Gustaf Franzen-Adam Mascherin
Darby Llewellyn-Connor Bunnaman-David Miller
Jake Henderson-Jacob Cascagnette-Nick Magyar

Connor Hall-Frank Hora
Doug Blaisdell-Dylan Di Perna
Dmitrii Sergeev-Miles Liberati

Dawson Carty (4-2) starts.

London:

Matthew Tkachuk-Christian Dvorak-Mitch Marner
Aaron Berisha-Cliff Pu-Robert Thomas
Chandler Yakimowicz-Owen MacDonald-J.J. Piccinich
Daniel Bernhardt-Chad Heffernan-Evan Bouchard

Chris Martenet-Victor Mete
Olli Juolevi-Jacob Graves
Brandon Crawley-Aiden Jamieson

Tyler Parsons (6-2) starts.

Game summary

Brownie points:

- Heading into Game 3 the top line for Kitchener is a combined -12, London's is +13.

- Top plus players for the Rangers so far, Connor Hall, Frank Hora, Darby Llewellyn all +2.

- NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings in advance of this year's draft. Rated among North American skaters were: Adam Mascherin (42), Connor Bunnaman (87) and Connor Hall (100). Rangers picks on the list: Charles McAvoy (6), Adam Fox (50), Griffin Luce (70) and Ethan Spaxman (127). Goalie Jack LaFontaine was 13th among NA goalies. Locals cracking the rankings included Logan Stanley (19), Boris Katchouk (25) and Nathan Bastian (35). Hall, of Cambridge, is also a local.

- Mason Kohn was moved from the third to the second unit to add some grit up front and it turned out to be a savvy move.

- Dawson Carty turned in another strong performance and stopped several Knights breakaways. It was tense watching from the stands. Can only imagine what it felt like on the ice.

- The Rangers did a better job of containing the London's big three. Marner and company all got in on the tying goal but that was it offensively for the power trio.

- Missed chances played a big part for the Rangers. The lads just couldn't cash. A brief 5-on-3 and a third period power play stand out as solid opportunities lost.

- A lot of performances to single out, but how about Miles Liberati sprawling to stop an odd-man rush? Just great defence.

- Kitchener's PP went 0-for-4 but didn't look too bad. Finishing is the issue right now. But time is running out.

- Only four teams have ever rallied from 3-0 to win a playoff series in the OHL. This is the second year in a row that the Knights have had the Ranges on the verge of elimination.

JB's top three Rangers: Dawson Carty, Adam Mascherin, Connor Hall