Kitchener Rangers 2015-16 Season Thread

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stormfanone

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Nov 30, 2013
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UGLY win today!
But full kudos to the Soo today with a 3 in 2 1/2 weekend, they played hard throughout unlike
the other team today!
IMHO the Rangers best player wa5s Joseph Garaffa, our 5'6" 150 lbs 16 yr old fill-in defenceman from his usually forward spot!
They were playing there third game in three and half days, not two and a half.
 

Ward Cornell

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Thanks Stormfanone. That makes quite a difference. What is your point?
Bobber.....good point!

A few days ago there was some posts on here about the Rangers getting Logan Schmidt. Perhaps the Rangers should try to get Matt Ferrari back in the fold.
 

bobber

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Jan 21, 2013
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Bobber.....good point!

A few days ago there was some posts on here about the Rangers getting Logan Schmidt. Perhaps the Rangers should try to get Matt Ferrari back in the fold.

I have faith in Murray that he will shore things up. Right now there are a couple of players going through the motions that I think need a shot of adrenaline. When you look at rookies Roberts and Garreffa they never stop moving their feet. Same with McHugh. I think some of the vets will get that message this week in practice.
 

EvenSteven

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I understand where MVR is coming from. Historically, we've seen the Rangers under Spott win games against the big teams and lose some games against teams we're supposed to beat due either to complacency or just trying to be too fancy.

What impressed me this year is that up until the Kingston game, we beat the teams with both winning records and losing records. We were on point in every game no matter the opponent.

Lately, we've been allowing teams in the bottom half of the standings to hang around in games and keep it close. There may have been close games early on in the season but we were dominant. These days we seem to be taking some teams lightly as if some of the guys are bored.

I knew MVR wasn't impressed today with his reaction to how we muffed the chance at the empty net. After Kohn I think lobbed the puck from the defensive end only to have the Soo player knock the puck down (great play by him!), Kohn regained the puck, carried it into the Soo zone, and despite having a clear shot at the empty net, he elected to try and pass it to Bunnaman. The pass was intercepted and the Soo had a couple more scoring chances that could have tied the game. When the Soo player intercepted the pass, I had a clear view of MVR who raised his hand to his forehead in disgust.

He was screaming inside! I could read his mind: "You have to bury those chances!!!"

That is just one example of what he was talking about post game.


I am very impressed with Garreffa on the blue line. I know it's not the Ranger's intention to have him back there full time, but could we be seeing the second coming of Andre Benoit? Their careers leading up to their rookie years in Kitchener are close to the same. Both were d-men until their draft year. Then they were moved to forward by their respective coaches. After playing his rookie year in Kitchener as a forward, Benoit was moved back to the blue line where he had a hugely successful OHL career. Is it possible that eventually, Garreffa has a permanent spot waiting for him on the blue line? He has a lot more room back there to work with the puck. He is fast and shifty enough to get the puck out of our end safely. He has the speed to get back in the event of a turnover. He is elusive enough to escape getting crushed into the end boards. The only weakness I see is the size needed to move guys away from the front of the net. But then, the likes of Ryan Murphy never had that size either.

Just wondering.
 
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Melrose

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With a somewhat light schedule for the next couple weeks it might be a good time to work on faceoffs. There should be a dedicated amount of time set aside for this the same way they always practised for shoot outs.
 

EvenSteven

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Josh Brown said he was talking to scouts who say that in their opinion, the Rangers should be looking for some scoring and a solid stay at home d-man with size. He also mentioned previous that in any trade talks with the Rangers, Connor Bunnaman is the first guy prospective trade partners are asking for in any deal of the blockbuster nature.

I've said before that the only way I deal Bunnaman is if the guy coming back will return next year. Bunnaman is a big part of this year's team and if the Rangers want to contend next year, Bunnaman will be even more valuable.

So with all that in mind, how about a deal with Ottawa for RWer Travis Konecny and d-man Jacob Middleton? We could send Bunnaman and say, Blaisdell the other way plus picks. We have a full cupboard of high picks. Conditional picks would have to come Kitchener's way if Konecny is not returned by the Flyers next year and maybe picks go Ottawa's way if Middleton plays here as an OA. With that deal made, we'd look pretty good for a run this year and next year as well.

Now you may say that Ottawa is in 3rd in the East and one point out of 1st. But there is 10 points separating 1st and 8th place in the east. A couple of bad weekends and you may find yourself dropping a few spots in the standings. The 67's are not a very old team. So with that in mind, they may want to try and sell off the veteran assets they do have to build for the next year or two.

The reason I bring up Konecny, who has junior eligibility next year, is because of the trade rumors out there. Even Elliotte Friedman talked about it on sportsnet. Sometimes, when there's smoke there's fire. Perhaps the Ottawa brass feel there may be a possibility that Konecny may stick with the Flyers next year and don't want to be left without being able to gets assets back for him. Maybe they are thinking of him as a possible "last year player" this year.

Look no further than Guelph where Robbie Fabbri stuck with the blues as a 19 year old. That was devastating to the rebuilding Storm who could have moved him for a huge return at the deadline. Do the 67's want to be left in the same situation if they deal vets this year and then lose out on Konecny for next year? The Flyers have a history of using underage players.

Something to think about.
 
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bobber

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Jan 21, 2013
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I think the Freidman thing turned out to be the Flyers talking of trading Konecney not the 67s. I would guess the Rangers powers that be would probably wait to see the team get back to playing the original system. There seems to be some element missing at the moment. When the three smallest kids on the team are showing leadership the vets should stand up and take notice of that fact. I wonder if someone could get traded just to send a message. The Dmen made some questionable decisions yesterday. One of them had the puck coming out of our end with two Rangers open on the right side and he passed it to a player that was covered on the left causing at turn over. He had time but chose the wrong pass. You have to wonder if the players are getting too much rope. It's great to allow creativity but it has to be controlled somewhat. Just an observation.
 
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nelli27

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Kitchener is a veteran team ranked near the top in the country, so this is the year that you want to go for it. I've mentioned this before, but I think the Rangers should make a push for both Dal Colle and Vande Sompel. Not only do you have enough assets to acquire both players, but they are precisely the type of players you need (Dal Colle, secondary scoring, PP; VDS, offensive d-man, PP QB).
I also think that if you could pick up those two, both Erie and London (more so the former) would be hardpressed to counter that move with moves of their own.
Wait a second, what am I saying?...too much Bailey's in the coffee this morning. On second thought, stand pat, go for it next season. I'm not supposed to be giving advice to the enemy! :naughty:
 

Ward Cornell

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Dec 22, 2007
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I think the Freidman thing turned out to be the Flyers talking of trading Konecney not the 67s. I would guess the Rangers powers that be would probably wait to see the team get back to playing the original system. There seems to be some element missing at the moment. When the three smallest kids on the team are showing leadership the vets should stand up and take notice of that fact. I wonder if someone could get traded just to send a message. The Dmen made some questionable decisions yesterday. One of them had the puck coming out of our end with two Rangers open on the right side and he passed it to a player that was covered on the left causing at turn over. He had time but chose the wrong pass. You have to wonder if the players are getting too much rope. It's great to allow creativity but it has to be controlled somewhat. Just an observation.

Bobber, that line of thinking about a trade is exactly what we talking about yesterday after the game to just to shake up the team a bit. But too be honest all teams have ebbs and flows to a season and Rangers at this time is at an ebb. But on the brightside of the ebb's is they still beat London in London and lost a 1 goal game to Erie in Erie.
BUT YES, CORRECT THE COMFORTNESS ON THE TEAM!
 

Ward Cornell

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Kitchener is a veteran team ranked near the top in the country, so this is the year that you want to go for it. I've mentioned this before, but I think the Rangers should make a push for both Dal Colle and Vande Sompel. Not only do you have enough assets to acquire both players, but they are precisely the type of players you need (Dal Colle, secondary scoring, PP; VDS, offensive d-man, PP QB).
I also think that if you could pick up those two, both Erie and London (more so the former) would be hardpressed to counter that move with moves of their own.
Wait a second, what am I saying?...too much Bailey's in the coffee this morning. On second thought, stand pat, go for it next season. I'm not supposed to be giving advice to the enemy! :naughty:
Naturally it all depends on the actual selling price and not the "asking price"! I suspect Hiebert may go the route of less flash.

While it's important in the O to know what year to go for it, it's a lot more important to know the years not to go for it and go into the sell mode.
In the past London has recognize this and sold and bought accordingly.......... Reluctantly...full kudos to the Knights!
 

EvenSteven

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Kitchener is a veteran team ranked near the top in the country, so this is the year that you want to go for it. I've mentioned this before, but I think the Rangers should make a push for both Dal Colle and Vande Sompel. Not only do you have enough assets to acquire both players, but they are precisely the type of players you need (Dal Colle, secondary scoring, PP; VDS, offensive d-man, PP QB).
I also think that if you could pick up those two, both Erie and London (more so the former) would be hardpressed to counter that move with moves of their own.
Wait a second, what am I saying?...too much Bailey's in the coffee this morning. On second thought, stand pat, go for it next season. I'm not supposed to be giving advice to the enemy! :naughty:


LOL! To be honest, I'm not a big fan of Del Colle's play this year. I suppose it doesn't help his playing on a rebuilding team.

I'm not sure I want him for secondary scoring considering I'd have to give up large assets that you'd give up for a top gun. But I suppose he'd kick it back up playing with a top contender.

I like Vande Sompel, but if I'm dealing for a "last year" forward, I'm keeping Bunnaman. Maybe trying to get a guy like Mike Amadio from NB would be cheaper. He's a center and we're having a hard time in the face off circle of late.
 

EvenSteven

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Naturally it all depends on the actual selling price and not the "asking price"! I suspect Hiebert may go the route of less flash.

While it's important in the O to know what year to go for it, it's a lot more important to know the years not to go for it and go into the sell mode.
In the past London has recognize this and sold and bought accordingly.......... Reluctantly...full kudos to the Knights!

Exactly!! Their selloffs in 2008 and 2011 are prime examples. When they didn't get Kane and Gagner back, they sold off Mason and AJ Perry for large return. They weren't in it in 2011 and sold off their OA's for large return.

On the other hand, Spott always stood pat in those situations and that cost this organization big time. He was a terrible GM in trade and at the draft.
 

bobber

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Jan 21, 2013
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Bobber, that line of thinking about a trade is exactly what we talking about yesterday after the game to just to shake up the team a bit. But too be honest all teams have ebbs and flows to a season and Rangers at this time is at an ebb. But on the brightside of the ebb's is they still beat London in London and lost a 1 goal game to Erie in Erie.
BUT YES, CORRECT THE COMFORTNESS ON THE TEAM!

According to MVR the team has been ebbing since they beat Ottawa ten games or so ago. Coach said he is getting tired of negative post game meetings. The Rangers really need to shore up the back end. They may even have to look at a BUG before Christmas if Carty isn't back. I wonder what fans think the biggest need is on defense? A tough stay at home guy or an offensive Dman.
 

Mach85

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Mar 14, 2013
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LOL! To be honest, I'm not a big fan of Del Colle's play this year. I suppose it doesn't help his playing on a rebuilding team.

I'm not sure I want him for secondary scoring considering I'd have to give up large assets that you'd give up for a top gun. But I suppose he'd kick it back up playing with a top contender.

I like Vande Sompel, but if I'm dealing for a "last year" forward, I'm keeping Bunnaman. Maybe trying to get a guy like Mike Amadio from NB would be cheaper. He's a center and we're having a hard time in the face off circle of late.

I think we should trade for Amadio if only so we can say we've had Mike Amadeo AND Mike Amadio on the team :laugh:
 

Tim Raines

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I think the team's lack of a PP QB is evident. Why they won't try Roberts more is beyond me. In this swoon, he is one of the only ones who is consistently engaged and has the recovery speed and skill to go there. But I see why a 16-year-old isn't ideal to lead the PP on a contending team.

With Brosnan back and with the improvement a few have shown defensively, I'm okay with the shut-down aspect. We could add a guy like Hore for cheap, but is he much of an upgrade? I'd prefer Vande Sompel.

However, I'm not big on Dal Colle either, mostly because of the cost. He hasn't been great much of the year and his price tag is very high. I'd really prefer Mistele as we have an OA spot open, he'd be cheaper and is arguably more consistent.

There are other options too, but up front I think Kitchener is exceptionally deep, but has a bit too much of the same. There isn't a pure shooter really. Robinson and Mascherin are close, but they could really use a pure goal scorer. And the price to get that might be some of that terrific depth.
 

Ward Cornell

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According to MVR the team has been ebbing since they beat Ottawa ten games or so ago. Coach said he is getting tired of negative post game meetings. The Rangers really need to shore up the back end. They may even have to look at a BUG before Christmas if Carty isn't back. I wonder what fans think the biggest need is on defense? A tough stay at home guy or an offensive Dman.

and 8 of those 10 games are games that Brian Brosnan has been injured. After Brosnan comes back (he was actually practicing last week so I was surprised he wasn't playing this past weekend.)
so maybe the stay at home d-man gets filled when he's back?
Is the need for an offensive d-man to help the point on the PP or one is just needed period??
IMHO, help on the PP point is the most dire need....either by an offensive d-man or a forward (I think we"ll need to trade for a forward who can do this job)
Thankfully Roberts can't be traded this year, I have a hard time remembering a more impressive 16 yr old Ranger d-man.....Murphy included.
 

Tim Raines

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Oct 26, 2015
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I have a hard time remembering a more impressive 16 yr old Ranger d-man.....Murphy included.

I would still pick Murphy at 16, but it's close. Don't forget Murphy's best season was his 16-year-old season. He was unbelievable that year, but his erosion after clouded some memories.

Roberts is a bit more responsible but nowhere near as offensively dynamic. That's how good Murphy was. But that's to take nothing away from Roberts. He has been great.
 

Ward Cornell

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Dec 22, 2007
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I would still pick Murphy at 16, but it's close. Don't forget Murphy's best season was his 16-year-old season. He was unbelievable that year, but his erosion after clouded some memories.

In other words the more Spott and Fixter coached him the worse he got? ;)
Murphy was never coached to use his teammates when he was rushing the puck. Or was it his teammates were never coached to utilize Murphys puck carrying abilities?

IMHO, what Murphy has over Roberts offensively, Roberts makes up for it defensively....either way like you said it's close.

What can you say about the Mid-West this season?
The second place team Windsor in the western conference would be 4th in the Mid-West while the highest place team in the East Conference
would be also be 4th in the Mid-West.
 
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bobber

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In other words the more Spott and Fixter coached him the worse he got? ;)
Murphy was never coached to use his teammates when he was rushing the puck. Or was it his teammates were never coached to utilize Murphys puck carrying abilities?

IMHO, what Murphy has over Roberts offensively, Roberts makes up for it defensively....either way like you said it's close.

What can you say about the Mid-West this season?
The second place team Windsor in the western conference would be 4th in the Mid-West while the highest place team in the East Conference
would be also be 4th in the Mid-West.

Just heard Myles Liberaty from North Bay
 

Ward Cornell

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Dec 22, 2007
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Just heard Myles Liberaty from North Bay
Right you are....again!
http://www.kitchenerrangers.com/article/kitchener-rangers-and-north-bay-battalion-complete-trade

The Kitchener Rangers announced today they have acquired defenceman Miles Liberati from the North Bay Battalion. In exchange, the Battalion will receive Oshawa’s 2nd round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Oshawa’s 2nd round pick in 2018, a Kitchener 3rd round pick in 2019, and Ottawa’s 8th round pick in 2017.

Rangers General Manager Murray Hiebert says the move instantaneously injects both offence and experience into the club’s lineup.

“We looked at our team’s needs, and we liked the offensive upside from the backend that Miles offers to a club,” said Hiebert.

“From his strong skating, to his ability to move the puck Miles was a player at the top of our list in terms of someone we felt could help us. We think he’ll be a tremendous fit both on and off the ice with the core group we have established here. Miles has a clear ability to create plays and generate offence, and that was certainly something we were looking for.”

In 24 games played this season, Liberati has tallied eight goals and eight assists for 16 points. He is coming off a career best season in 2014-15 which saw him register 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points.

Originally drafted by the London Knights in the third round, 55th overall in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection from the Pittsburgh Vipers (NAPHL) Under-16 team, he played 74 career games – including playoffs - with the Knights, and was a member of the OHL championship winning squad in 2013 who went on to compete in the 2013 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Saskatoon, SK.

He was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the seventh round, 205th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

He was traded from the Knights to the Battalion on November 19, 2013 in exchange for defenceman Zach Bell.

Liberati has registered a total of 31 goals and 42 assists for 73 points and a plus-21 rating with 109 PIM over 197 career regular season games played over four-plus seasons with the Knights and Battalion.

Miles Liberati (Libb-er-OTT-ee)

Hometown: Cheswick, PA, USA
Birthdate: June 21, 1995
Height: 6.00
Weight: 203
Position: D
Shoots: L
 

EvenSteven

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Rangers just picked up Miles Liberati from NB or two 2nds a 3rd, and an 8th. That's a huge overpayment IMO for the OA d-man. I like Liberati, but not that much. He's no better than we have now.

On the Ranger website.
 

Jeffy3535

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Feb 18, 2015
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The character of this team needs to change if they're serious about making a championship run. MVR was legitimately concerned before the game that the boys would be thinking too much about the Xmas party post-game (he wasn't joking). Ummm ok. I realize they're teenagers but that's a pretty weak excuse for a distraction. Whether fans are going to want to admit it or not, the hard-work became less and less noticeable when we got our star forward from the NCAA. His first Friday home game was the one where MVR found out some of the boys we're more excited about post-game plans than the actual game and since then we haven't seen a complete game except the one in Ottawa which MVR mentioned. He's pure talent and a future NHLer but his skating without the puck is lethargic at best and I'm starting to see the same effort from a lot of the older guys (Kohn, Darby, and Robinson are exceptions). Definitely not blaming one individual for an entire team's effort but laziness is as addictive as working hard. And if they're playing like this with just over a month until the deadline, what's going to happen when they all know their place on the team is safe. It's tough to be angry when you get another two points are are #2 in the country, but there's too much talent on this team to not go all out for it and do something special this year. It's hard when you're that young to have the perspective that you may regret not accomplishing a certain goal when you had the chance just due to lack of effort. But unlike a former head coach, MVR said maybe the coaching staff has to do something different as well so at least he's aware that keeping the team focused is a big part of the coaches' responsibility. Big fan of Liberati but just like with the Patterson trade, I think gave away too many valuable picks for another half-season rental.
 

Medway Bear

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So 2 x 2nd, 3rd and 8th for an OA defenceman, seems a little steep. What does this mean for Robert's development or is Brosnan further away from coming back than has been hinted?
 

bobber

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Kitchener Ontario
So 2 x 2nd, 3rd and 8th for an OA defenceman, seems a little steep. What does this mean for Robert's development or is Brosnan further away from coming back than has been hinted?

With Hall out two months Roberts will get ice. He plays better than some of the vets on D. The 2nds were Oshawa's. I like this deal. You get a player that can defend and has an offensive flair. Look what they got for Davies. No one come cheap these days. Rangers almost had to pull the trigger before another Day got injured.
 
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