Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[Ward Cornell]

The guy who is noted for development with Missy is now an Assistant Coach with the Rangers. So having Jeff Kyrzakos here might factor into Montreal's decision.

Hopefully they arent too "impressed" with this new coaching staff. Hate to see them leave
But yes, Im sure this staff could help Mesar on track for a productive pro career here in North America. He's far from a finished product!

 

[Rangers True Blue]

OK....what are they feeding this young Rangers team? I didn't expect 8-0 on Friday and I absolutely did not expect an 11-2 game yesterday. I remember people saying "where's the scoring going to come from?"

And there's no quit from the first puck drop to the game ending buzzer. None. How many times have we see this team take the foot off the pedal in the past only to have it come back to haunt them?

Jussi with Jeff and Brad have their fingerprints all over this team. And the boys have bought in. During yesterday's game, Jeff was giving notes and instruction to the boys as the ice was being cleaned. Jussi was interjecting with his own. Every one of those players were hanging onto every word. These Rangers are focused and invested in going all in on every second of a game - even when they're up by a gaggle of goals.

As a fan, this has been a long time coming and I'm going to enjoy the ride!

 

[bobber]

Hopefully they arent too "impressed" with this new coaching staff. Hate to see them leave
But yes, Im sure this staff could help Mesar on track for a productive pro career here in North America. He's far from a finished product!

Just read an article on Hab's first round pick Mesar being scratched with a compliment of five other players. Basically says Mesar is missing opportunities to develop his game with every game he misses. Not sure if the Habs made an error in jugdement taking Mesar in the first round. He is a light weight. Usually a smaller player like Mesar has to be incredibly talented to be picked so high. He really needs to be sent back to the OHL. Sitting out games in the AHL is a death knell for a hockey career. Other than this he might have to establish a career in some European league.

 

[WorkHardEveryShift]

These are kids. It's all about development and coaching. And Kitchener got the real deal here. I can only imagine how much further ahead this team will be come February

 

[Ward Cornell]

These are kids. It's all about development and coaching. And Kitchener got the real deal here. I can only imagine how much further ahead this team will be come February

Hopefully history doesn't repeat itself and the Rangers upper management doesn't think this on ice success is their doing. IMHO that what seemed to happen after Pete D left. We had a dark period before PD arrived then a slow rot moved in after he left. The Rangers shouldn't be in the business of developing coaches BUT in the business of developing players.

 

[bobber]

After many frustrating hockey seasons here in KW fans can see a massive difference in the structure of the games. Who would have thunk a young Ranger team would put up 19 goals on a week end? Jussi liked the fact that the team capitalized on their opportunities. Still he said they gave up too many odd man rushes. He did say they will work on this issue. I like the way he analyzes the game. Always thinks there is room for improvement.

 

[EvenSteven]

OK....what are they feeding this young Rangers team? I didn't expect 8-0 on Friday and I absolutely did not expect an 11-2 game yesterday. I remember people saying "where's the scoring going to come from?"

And there's no quit from the first puck drop to the game ending buzzer. None. How many times have we see this team take the foot off the pedal in the past only to have it come back to haunt them?

Jussi with Jeff and Brad have their fingerprints all over this team. And the boys have bought in. During yesterday's game, Jeff was giving notes and instruction to the boys as the ice was being cleaned. Jussi was interjecting with his own. Every one of those players were hanging onto every word. These Rangers are focused and invested in going all in on every second of a game - even when they're up by a gaggle of goals.

As a fan, this has been a long time coming and I'm going to enjoy the ride!

Prior to this year, this team was notorious for crapping the bed vs tired teams coming into the Aud when we’ve had a days rest.

Not so much yesterday.

 

[EvenSteven]

Just read an article on Hab's first round pick Mesar being scratched with a compliment of five other players. Basically says Mesar is missing opportunities to develop his game with every game he misses. Not sure if the Habs made an error in jugdement taking Mesar in the first round. He is a light weight. Usually a smaller player like Mesar has to be incredibly talented to be picked so high. He really needs to be sent back to the OHL. Sitting out games in the AHL is a death knell for a hockey career. Other than this he might have to establish a career in some European league.

Bottom line is, if he was drafted out of the OHL, he’d be back here today instead of sitting in a press box in Laval.

Owen Beck showed better in camp and they sent him back here. I know he couldn’t go to the AHL, but the fact Mesar had a mostly poor camp says he should have been sent directly back here.

This isn’t a rip on the kid. But there are a ton of 1st rounders taken outside the top 20 who aren’t pro ready. Mesar is one of them.

 

[robertmac43]

I was away this weekend so missed both games. Thought I was seeing some kind of error when I saw the score lines.

 

[Gondrex]

OK....what are they feeding this young Rangers team? I didn't expect 8-0 on Friday and I absolutely did not expect an 11-2 game yesterday. I remember people saying "where's the scoring going to come from?"

I admit being one of those who wondered where the scoring was going to come from. However I was referring more so after some of the vets are (?) potentially traded away after the deadline. It's encouraging that we're seeing some secondary scoring, but realistically, the Rehkopf-Miseljevic duo has scored over 1/3 of this team's goals so far.

It did puzzle me in the past why Miseljevic wasn't more than a 0.25 PPG player up to this point. He seemed to have the tools (including speed). However I would have never guessed he'd be 2.0 PPG after game 7. Having said that, if Rehkopf were to be traded away, I would expect that pace to tail off. Even if Rehkopf doesn't I would be shocked if Miseljevic ended up winning the scoring championship. Still, love the way this kid plays, and I think he would be a nice OA to have next season.

While teams still work on their systems and things settle in I personally don't put too much into where the team is in the standings this early. After we get into November and we've started playing some of those tough division rivals a number of times, that's when I think we'll see where this team really fits in. Having said that, there is absolutely no doubt this team has exceeded my own expectations. It is sooooo obvious what quality coaching does on this league. Even in the loss to a good Owen Sound team, they still played a very competitive, "watchable game".

 

[rangersblues]

These are kids. It's all about development and coaching. And Kitchener got the real deal here. I can only imagine how much further ahead this team will be come February

How they look in February vs today will be the true litmus test for this coaching staff. The way they've come out of the gate I have every confidence that the results will be positive. Results could vary because I don't think anyone can predict what will be the makeup of the team post trade deadline. But I think if we continue to see the progress that we're (unbelievably) seeing so far, the vast majority of fans will be ecstatic no matter the results in the win loss column.

 

[RangerNation]

How they look in February vs today will be the true litmus test for this coaching staff. The way they've come out of the gate I have every confidence that the results will be positive. Results could vary because I don't think anyone can predict what will be the makeup of the team post trade deadline. But I think if we continue to see the progress that we're (unbelievably) seeing so far, the vast majority of fans will be ecstatic no matter the results in the win loss column.

This is what I am really excited for. Once some trades happen and the future identity of the team is solidified, how do they respond? Jussi is proving to MM that he can work with what is handed to him.

 

[WorkHardEveryShift]

What I hear is that the kids like him, he teaches well and they are all buying into it. That's a great starting point

 

[Krangers08]

Who will sign first Brzustewicz or Rehkopf?

 

[GeoBlue]

I was away this weekend so missed both games. Thought I was seeing some kind of error when I saw the score lines.

It was magic! It was "Ahokas Pocus"!

 

[EvenSteven]

View attachment 753572
Who will sign first Brzustewicz or Rehkopf?

Sign first or be dealt first?


I know it’s waaaay early, but the trade value of Rehkopf and Brzustewicz is fast approaching my predicted Owen Beck and Christian Kyrou value. Actually, Hunter could blow past Kyrou value.

Again, waaaay early.

 

[Gondrex]

Rehkopf and Brzustewicz are playing very well. No doubt contenders are taking note. My concern is the (I'm only assuming) limited destinations for Brzustewicz and what that would mean from a return stand-point. No doubt, this guy would otherwise hold huge value under normal circumstances IMO.....and perhaps still will.

I suppose on another front, Peterborough is currently experiencing similar success at this early stage.....and they have attractive assets too. I know it's hard to gauge supply and demand after only 7 or 8 games but at least these two have been showing well so far.

Martin is grabbing points too, but any team having a Martin is more than him just putting up points.

 

[Krangers08]

05 import forward on waivers (cleared through the Q). Do imports on waivers ever get claimed? 22 points in 41 games
* not saying they should claim him just curious.

 

[Section5Petes]

View attachment 753767
05 import forward on waivers (cleared through the Q). Do imports on waivers ever get claimed? 22 points in 41 games
* not saying they should claim him just curious.

He’s on his way to Peterborough as we speak!

 

[Petes1987]

He’s on his way to Peterborough as we speak!

Is this true or a joke? I am not sure because of the laughing icon!

 

[bobber]

Rehkopf and Brzustewicz are playing very well. No doubt contenders are taking note. My concern is the (I'm only assuming) limited destinations for Brzustewicz and what that would mean from a return stand-point. No doubt, this guy would otherwise hold huge value under normal circumstances IMO.....and perhaps still will.

I suppose on another front, Peterborough is currently experiencing similar success at this early stage.....and they have attractive assets too. I know it's hard to gauge supply and demand after only 7 or 8 games but at least these two have been showing well so far.

Martin is grabbing points too, but any team having a Martin is more than him just putting up points.

If Missile keeps up the pace he would also draw some sort of attention would he not?

 

[bobber]

Looking at OHL stats for Plus/Minus. 4 out of 5 Rangers are listed as leaders in this area. Who'd of thunk that?

 

[Section5Petes]

Is this true or a joke? I am not sure because of the laughing icon!

It’s a joke, but I hope it becomes a reality

 

[Millpond]

Attack fan, coming in peace.

Just curious why some are talking about trading players at this early stage, with the Rangers off to a great start.

I'd be excited about the season ahead .

 

[Ward Cornell]

Attack fan, coming in peace.

Just curious why some are talking about trading players at this early stage, with the Rangers off to a great start.

I'd be excited about the season ahead .

I think we're just being realistic with the teams actual end of season placing. We've seen too many first or second round exits the last number of seasons with no real hope for advancing past that. Our draft cupboard while not bare its close to it. Yes, coaching matters but coaching better talent will probably lead to greater playoff success, which is the real end game.