Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[Krangers08]

Any predictions on the colour of the Remembrance Day jersey?
I’m thinking blue/white representing the navy.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Any predictions on the colour of the Remembrance Day jersey?
I’m thinking blue/white representing the navy.

It has to have something to do with WWI in my opinion because that is what the tradition initially was. I'm fine with adding WWII related stuff as well because it's so distant and coupling the World Wars together also makes sense from a historical perspective. I don't go in for this "remembrance day is for all veterans".

That said, our Navy was so obsolete that the British Royal Navy was in charge of defending our coasts in WWI, so unless they commemorate our Navy's contribution to WWII, I would guess maybe a stark Red/Black to mirror the Flander's poppy. That said, I wouldn't be opposed to honouring the Navy for it's logistical efforts (ie. organizing shipping) of that time, I think it would be cool to acknowledge non-Combat/war-fighting segments of service members in those wars.

 

[Krangers08]

Divincentiis is out week to week which is usually over a month. Sucks that we won’t get to see him on Friday. If he’s out till Christmas Ty Nelson will become the most sought after defender (likely was already). Guelph, Owensound, Saginaw are my front runners.
* Sudbury just added a 2nd,4th, and 6th to their pool so include them as well

 

[GeoBlue]

Competing this season in the Midwest division is hard enough, let alone dealing with the West's Soo and Saginaw (who one would think will do whatever it takes - including throwing in the kitchen sink if they have to).

In the Midwest alone, Guelph is surging,

I like Guelph but they are really going to miss Poitras. Should he somehow make his way back............Look out!

 

[RangerNation]

Some flat feet defending tonight. Yeesh.

Man do they love taking penalties. Do they always need to tomahawk a guy when they go by?

 

[Krangers08]

Some flat feet defending tonight. Yeesh.

Man do they love taking penalties. Do they always need to tomahawk a guy when they go by?

If they drop all 3 this weekend, the team Facebook page will have some entertaining comments.
Though battle against a skill NB team and physical battle with London sunday.

 

[Krangers08]

U17 started today

Reid looked very comfortable. Skating well, joining the rush, good breakouts, and a nasty backhand assist.

Romano was the 13th forward who didn’t see much ice.

 

[bobber]

Some flat feet defending tonight. Yeesh.

Man do they love taking penalties. Do they always need to tomahawk a guy when they go by?

Coach probably wasn't happy with the undisciplined penalties last night. Credit to the Spits for getting under the skin of the Rangers top players. Spits took advantage of their opportunities. They out battled the Rangers along the boards in scrums several times. Rangers seemed to be skating in sand at times and gave up a lot of odd man rushes. Other players have to take an opportunity to step up in games like this. I am sure Malboeuf thought he should have had a couple of those Spits shots that got in behind him.

 

[bobber]

Rangers saw red when Spits came out in fake Knight jerseys last night. It threw their focus right off . Their eyes were watering like they were cutting up onions.

 

[Billyjack]

I think the fall to earth has started now that the tougher teams are coming up other than last night which was a disaster, felt like the team from last year, maybe reading their own press clippings LOL. Probably a good thing so management doesn't get any crazy ideas. I predict 6-7 place by Xmas, I hope I'm wrong and will gladly eat crow if I am. Stay the course MM, Saginaw may pay big to save face.

 

[Krangers08]

Rehkopf and Sop swap wingers

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Rehkopf was always a first round talent. Can't believe the Kraken got him late 2nd.

Mesar has been a very welcome addition to the squad this season. He really compliments that top 6. He's got some warts in his game on the defensive side of the puck but now that he's given a longer leash we're really seeing what he is capable of.

Parsons is a spicy one. Not only has he been excellent but he's taking no BS from anybody.

This might not come off great but I'd like to see MM move Hamara to another team. It's usually a bit harder with imports but he's not really worth the spot. He's played over 70 games here and he takes a shot on net once every 4 or 5 games. I expect more from someone who was a 3rd round pick in the NHL. I just see an opportunity where a cheap upgrade could be made that rewards thee team for the start they've had with out breaking the bank ( Rodwin Dionicio?)

One of Him, Campbell and Ando on each pairing is a mean pair.


Morey continues to impress me. He's worked incredibly hard this season and I am happy to see him get some in game promotions.

Curious to see how we fair against the Knights.

 

[rangersblues]

Rehkopf was always a first round talent. Can't believe the Kraken got him late 2nd.

Mesar has been a very welcome addition to the squad this season. He really compliments that top 6. He's got some warts in his game on the defensive side of the puck but now that he's given a longer leash we're really seeing what he is capable of.

Parsons is a spicy one. Not only has he been excellent but he's taking no BS from anybody.

This might not come off great but I'd like to see MM move Hamara to another team. It's usually a bit harder with imports but he's not really worth the spot. He's played over 70 games here and he takes a shot on net once every 4 or 5 games. I expect more from someone who was a 3rd round pick in the NHL. I just see an opportunity where a cheap upgrade could be made that rewards thee team for the start they've had with out breaking the bank ( Rodwin Dionicio?)

One of Him, Campbell and Ando on each pairing is a mean pair.


Morey continues to impress me. He's worked incredibly hard this season and I am happy to see him get some in game promotions.

Curious to see how we fair against the Knights.

Rehkopf always had the tools and untapped potential to be a first rounder. Finally with the proper coaching he's arrived.

I'm hesitant to move Hamara. He's really improved his all around game imo. No need to give him away.

We should do ok vs London. It will be the tail end of 3 in 3 for them. I watched the game vs Brantford last night (I think OHL Package is free right now). Hunter really leaned on his top players especially Cowan. He probably played 8 or 9 minutes in the 3rd period and most of OT. They have a strong blue line again. It's not as bad of a matchup as people think right now. I expect a great game and good chance of a win.

 

[GeoBlue]

Rehkopf was always a first round talent. Can't believe the Kraken got him late 2nd.

Mesar has been a very welcome addition to the squad this season. He really compliments that top 6. He's got some warts in his game on the defensive side of the puck but now that he's given a longer leash we're really seeing what he is capable of.

Parsons is a spicy one. Not only has he been excellent but he's taking no BS from anybody.

This might not come off great but I'd like to see MM move Hamara to another team. It's usually a bit harder with imports but he's not really worth the spot. He's played over 70 games here and he takes a shot on net once every 4 or 5 games. I expect more from someone who was a 3rd round pick in the NHL. I just see an opportunity where a cheap upgrade could be made that rewards thee team for the start they've had with out breaking the bank ( Rodwin Dionicio?)

One of Him, Campbell and Ando on each pairing is a mean pair.


Morey continues to impress me. He's worked incredibly hard this season and I am happy to see him get some in game promotions.

Curious to see how we fair against the Knights.

Rake! I haven't enjoyed a player winding up for a shot this much since Al MacInnis. Two different players and 2 different types of shots but, man, can he fire that thing with accuracy most times. I guess the new fear in RTown is if Rake continues to develop at this pace, will he really be back next year? It seems our whole row last night was saying, "Did the announcer say 16 for number 16? He's got that many already?" Then Rake clarified things for us by getting his 17th. Wow! That is a 70+ goal pace.

I what you mean with regard to Parsons. We sit at that end of the ice in the 1st period and saw Parsons pushing aside one of the NB players, and when the play went the other way, Parsons was chirping at him and it looked like he was going to follow him to the blue line. That shows confidence.

Good game by the Rangers. I feel NB won the 1st period but seemed to fade as the Rangers kept pressing. And the best part is that the Rangers didn't slow it down in the 3rd. This team, so far, is fun to watch whether they are winning OR losing.

Anyone catch the post-game show? Fixture needs to work on HIS accuracy. Did I hear him say that the London game was Saturday? And call Hunter, "Brzuski"? Learning curve.

 

[bobber]

Any doubting the Rangers abilities to win big games they just beat one of the top teams in the league. I thought they looked dominating in the 3rd. Razor is on a heater for sure. Coach was pleased with his play in this one. Says his two way game is getting better but he has a long way to go to be an NHL player. I love how Jussi tells it like it is when interviewed. Anyone else notice him yelling at players coming back to the bench. Reminiscent of Deboer. The top players are great when asked questions also. It's all about the team success going forward and not individual records. Great stuff.

 

[RangerNation]

Any doubting the Rangers abilities to win big games they just beat one of the top teams in the league.

My issue is them winning on the road against big teams. Sunday is a big test.

 

[bobber]

My issue is them winning on the road against big teams. Sunday is a big test.

Not sure the Knights are a "big team". They are more of a kryptonite thing that exist in the head of Ranger players. The Green Monster that raises it's ugly head. Last night the Battalion seem to be taking liberties with Parsons. Ranger's responded to a point. Andonovski is there to answer but it would be great to see someone else there as a threat. Martin is a big player but more of a chirper and face washer.

 

[Gondrex]

Really liking this Campbell kid. He clears the D-zone about as well as any of the others. Doesn't make many mistakes. Great pick-up. As 06's, he and Ellinas are both progressing nicely in my eyes. I think it wouldn't hurt to grab one more solid 06 down the road so that we have 3 good OA's 3 years from now. I could be wrong; maybe Bottineau can still be that 3rd guy.

 

[EvenSteven]

Rehkopf. Best pure goal scorer since Skinner. Had he had the opportunity last year, he may have reached 50. Getting 30 the way he was utilized was a feat in itself. WJC brass should take notice. And yes, wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an extended look next year in Seattle.

I like the way Hamara has progressed. In a rebuilding year, I listen to any offer on any graduating player. He’d be a great addition to a contender. Top four guy on any team but on a contender’s third pairing makes that team’s D a very deep six. But I agree, I don’t give him away just because.

Happy with Mesar right now. Much better all around. Work ethic is there. Unselfish with the puck and without the puck, showing well. A couple nice steals off the opposition last night. I don’t remember him picking pockets last year.

I expect a tough game vs London. Physically tough I mean. From what I understand, the Boultons have brought a very physical aspect and the rest of the team are following suit. I look for Andonovski to get chased around all night. Will be interesting watching Brzustewicz vs Brzustewicz!

Credit where credit is due. Have to give a hats off the the broadcasting duo. I haven’t heard a ton of play by play during the games as I watch on TV when I can’t get to the game. But the pre and post game, which I do tune in to, is much better and though still a little rusty, Fixter has been getting more comfortable. So far, these guys are a lot closer to Don and Gary than Farsie and Poper.

 

[EvenSteven]

Not sure the Knights are a "big team". They are more of a kryptonite thing that exist in the head of Ranger players. The Green Monster that raises it's ugly head. Last night the Battalion seem to be taking liberties with Parsons. Ranger's responded to a point. Andonovski is there to answer but it would be great to see someone else there as a threat. Martin is a big player but more of a chirper and face washer.

Agreed. Andonovski can’t do it all himself. Stepping up last night after Arnsby’s big hit on Brzustewicz was nice to see. That it didn’t happen right after the hit saved him from 2, 5, 10.

And yes, Martin and Swick need to get more involved. I know Swick is playing good right now but where is the guy with the chip on his shoulder we saw in the preseason?

No one is asking these guys to drop the gloves all the time, but they’ll strike fear in no one until they make that one statement.

 

[EvenSteven]

Really liking this Campbell kid. He clears the D-zone about as well as any of the others. Doesn't make many mistakes. Great pick-up. As 06's, he and Ellinas are both progressing nicely in my eyes. I think it wouldn't hurt to grab one more solid 06 down the road so that we have 3 good OA's 3 years from now. I could be wrong; maybe Bottineau can still be that 3rd guy.

Nice to see both these guys get recognition by central scouting. Big wins for MM picking these guys up on the cheap!

I’m hoping Bottineau’s game will come around a bit better after we move a forward or two? Right now he’s on that effective fourth line and looks like he’ll be there for a while.

 

[bobber]

Agreed. Andonovski can’t do it all himself. Stepping up last night after Arnsby’s big hit on Brzustewicz was nice to see. That it didn’t happen right after the hit saved him from 2, 5, 10.

And yes, Martin and Swick need to get more involved. I know Swick is playing good right now but where is the guy with the chip on his shoulder we saw in the preseason?

No one is asking these guys to drop the gloves all the time, but they’ll strike fear in no one until they make that one statement.

Last year Schmidt was the same as Swick and Martin. Huge players that really don't strike fear into opposing players. These players are prototypes of what the NHL likes to see on rosters. The phsyical element is missing with these big guys in games. In pro big players are expected to play on the edge a bit and back up their team mates when the going gets physical. Like Even says not advocating fighting at the drop of a hat but when the goalie is getting run constantly send a message. Especially in the Ranger's barn. Refs were ignoring the Battalion game plan to harass Parsons. The Battalion were looking for someone to respond. Be nice to see these big players throw a few big hits . It will happen to them if they make the play offs. Maybe I have to much Irish in me.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Not sure the Knights are a "big team". They are more of a kryptonite thing that exist in the head of Ranger players. The Green Monster that raises it's ugly head. Last night the Battalion seem to be taking liberties with Parsons. Ranger's responded to a point. Andonovski is there to answer but it would be great to see someone else there as a threat. Martin is a big player but more of a chirper and face washer.

As for Ando (as per his interview), he was asked if he wanted to fight and he replied "sure". He thought the boys needed something to get them going. I noticed that when he had the upper hand (fist?) in the staged fight, he went for the headlock and toned it down a bit. Smart.

Martin chirps but Ando takes it to a whole new level. LOL Both Martin and Swick could make use of their big bodies. But have you noticed that when an opposing player turns to do something and Swick is standing there, that player looks up, thinks better of it, and retreats?

The Rangers have ruined the season for me. I fully expected lots of losses and was resolved to chalk it up to rebuild. Instead, they keep winning. But I keep thinking NB will be a test.....now it's London will be the test....

 

[EvenSteven]

Last year Schmidt was the same as Swick and Martin. Huge players that really don't strike fear into opposing players. These players are prototypes of what the NHL likes to see on rosters. The phsyical element is missing with these big guys in games. In pro big players are expected to play on the edge a bit and back up their team mates when the going gets physical. Like Even says not advocating fighting at the drop of a hat but when the goalie is getting run constantly send a message. Especially in the Ranger's barn. Refs were ignoring the Battalion game plan to harass Parsons. The Battalion were looking for someone to respond. Be nice to see these big players throw a few big hits . It will happen to them if they make the play offs. Maybe I have to much Irish in me.

On the big hits, in his first couple years here, Swick dished out some huge open ice hits. But the problem at this level is that clean or not, the arm goes up on most open ice hits. Swick may be a bit gun-shy after earning 5 and games for these hits.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

At the Under 17s, Romano scores the game winning goal and gets Player of the game for Canada. White tacks on another assist. Really nice to see our two first rounders doing well in international games. Bodes well for the future.

And HELLO TEAM CANADA.........how can you ignore Razor this year? He absolutely should be at World Juniors this year.

On the big hits, in his first couple years here, Swick dished out some huge open ice hits. But the problem at this level is that clean or not, the arm goes up on most open ice hits. Swick may be a bit gun-shy after earning 5 and games for these hits.

Point taken. Even Martin says that he's backed off the strength of his shoves because if he doesn't he will send them flying.