
The nerves are gone.
As second-year players the group of 2002-born Kitchener Rangers have a bit more swagger in their step with the club's pre-season schedule underway.
"Last year everything was a new experience and you're figuring it out as you go," said forward Reid Valade. "The biggest thing now is coming in and knowing what to expect."
The Rangers have expectations too.
If the team wants to vie for the Ontario Hockey League's western conference title, it's going to need a massive boost from its 17-year-old faction.
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Goalie Nathan Torchia made his Kitchener debut as an emergency free agent call up in last night's 6-5 win over Barrie in exhibition action with starting netminder Jacob Ingham still at Los Angeles Kings camp.
Torchia was Oshawa's fourth round in pick in 2016 but played just one game for the Generals. He's currently with the Georgetown Raiders in the OJHL.
Of course, Torchia's dad Mike played for the Rangers from 1988-1992.