Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[Rangers True Blue]

Well, I didn't see that coming last night. Ranked high up as one of THE top teams, I felt this would be a huge challenge for the young Rangers. Right off the top, Sag was all over them and thanks to a 5 on 3 and 5 on 4, BOOM....they're up 2-0 before the Rangers knew what was happening. It shook them. No doubt. BUT......Parsons was stellar and by the end of the first, Rangers had started to re-focus and play the game they were supposed to play.

Second period, the Rangers settled in and battled back. In the dressing room between 1 and 2, the talk was "forget about the 1st" and put it behind you. I believe it was Parsons who said "It's part of our culture". Sag pushed back but Rangers didn't bend. By the end of the 2nd, Rangers had tied the game. This new "culture" is such a breath of fresh air!

Now it was anyone's game going into the 3rd. I thought for sure Sag would get the go-ahead goal but it was the Rangers who scored on a play that was just 22 seconds in. I saw the boys huddled and talking prior to the faceoff and can't help but feel that the Ando go was part of the plan. Sag answered right back and that's on the Rangers for not getting cleanly out of their zone. Rangers outshot Sag in the 3rd and were rewarded with the winning goal. Crazy!

Loved CAMPBELL.......he was great out there and when jumped by Zhugin because of Cambell's explosive hit, Cambell didn't waste time welcoming Zhugin to Kitchener.

LAM........he plays big....smart.....and fast. Dynamic! HAMARA was the best I've seen him and throwing himself across the ice to stop a shot near the end of the game.....wow! He was noted as the "save of the night" on the OHL site.

Yes, it's only one game but against a team that largely played together last year, the Rangers gave them all they could handle. Keep it coming!

 

[Squirrel88]

That might have been the best game of the season - what a fun night.

Before the game, a Saginaw official of some sort was standing in our row talking to people sitting behind us. He said that Saginaw expected to win and would be really disappointed if they didn't blow Kitchener out of the barn. I guess it was a disappointed bunch riding to Sarnia after the game. Specifically, they expected their 3rd and 4th lines to dominate Kitchener's depth, which is admittedly pretty thin. I thought that was the story of the night - the all-rookie 3rd line held their own (and were on to end the second period against Saginaw's top guns) and the 4th line won their minutes and potted a couple goals. Depth scoring was an issue last year, if they can get more this year, that's a big positive.

A couple negatives - both PP units were terrible. They really missing having multiple puck transporters like they had last year. This year its Razor and ?. I thought Stark showed some potential in that role. In defence of PP2, it is made up of a couple of rookies and guys with a total of 10 goals last year. Patience will be necessary.

I thought Rehkopf's line struggled when matched with Saginaw's top line. If that becomes a trend and Sop's line matches with top lines, then I worry a bit out how Lam will hold up as the season wears on. Ideally someone like Bottineau can be trusted to play in that spot.

Enough negativity - it is early, and usual caveats apply, but I am low-key giddy on Stark's potential and value as a 3rd round pick. If the early trends continue, Kitchener may have a steal there.

 

[RangerNation]

What a fun game! Crowd was in it too. One of the more louder regular season games I've seen. Maybe the playoff crowd from last year is sticking around? Only took 1 game for Jussi to get his first win. Loved how animated he was on the bench, it's going to be a fun season!

A few observations:
- team lacks speed. Romano and Missle are our speed right now. But the back checking was still present which is nice to see.

-Lam and Stark looked like 2nd year players already.

-Parsons is hungry. I could see him being dealt if he plays like that every game.

-Poor Sop. A few turnovers, missed passes. Wasn't his night

-It's nice to see pucks to the net! The D is also being used a lot more on rushes. Hamara and Ando were excellent

-Campbell is a stud. Great hit, great fight. Love this trade.

-Great to see scoring from players that aren't possible trade bait. This team will look different after the Christmas break so to have the points come from core players is reassuring, especially against a top team.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

What a fun game! Crowd was in it too. One of the more louder regular season games I've seen. Maybe the playoff crowd from last year is sticking around? Only took 1 game for Jussi to get his first win. Loved how animated he was on the bench, it's going to be a fun season!

A few observations:
- team lacks speed. Romano and Missle are our speed right now. But the back checking was still present which is nice to see.

-Lam and Stark looked like 2nd year players already.

-Parsons is hungry. I could see him being dealt if he plays like that every game.

-Poor Sop. A few turnovers, missed passes. Wasn't his night

-It's nice to see pucks to the net! The D is also being used a lot more on rushes. Hamara and Ando were excellent

-Campbell is a stud. Great hit, great fight. Love this trade.

-Great to see scoring from players that aren't possible trade bait. This team will look different after the Christmas break so to have the points come from core players is reassuring, especially against a top team.

Funny thing about Matt Sops "off night" is he almost scored twice. It wasn't his night. As you mentioned, missed passes, just seamed off. but he was engaged physically and I love that he's adding that to his game.

 

[Ward Cornell]

More than happy to get an unexpected win, these wins will make up for those disappointing losses that will enviably occur in sports. For me its not really about the wins and losses but more on team culture, hustle and buy in from all players. Really loved seeing the pushback by the 16 yr old players...
I sense good times ahead!
Two thumbs up!

 

[Krangers08]

Same lineup as last night. Parsons gets the start.

 

[rangersblues]

Same lineup as last night. Parsons gets the start.

After last night's victory I'm ok with this. Earn your playing time. Maybe part of the new culture.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Same lineup as last night. Parsons gets the start.

I don't hate a "if it aint broken, don't fix it" approach. I am a bit surprised we're seeing Parsons on B2B nights this early in the season.

 

[Krangers08]

I don't hate a "if it aint broken, don't fix it" approach. I am a bit surprised we're seeing Parsons on B2B nights this early in the season.

He will probably do it again next weekend with Owensound/ Saginaw. Malboeuf in Sarnia Wednesday.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

This 4th line is super exciting right now.


I know I've advocated for the team maybe shipping Pug out but I am going to assume that he may have been playing hurt a lot longer than we thought last season. This is the player I remember from his rookie season.

Always moving, finding open spaces, goes to the net. Already broke his points total from last season.

Happy as hell for him. Guys making the most of his minutes.

 

[Matttheleaf]

So far through the first two games of listening to a post game and parts of tonight's game Paul Fixter, has not won me over as a part of the radio team.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Kitchener Wins 8-0

Well, take a pad the stats night while you can.

Loved this effort from the boys tonight. Lots of areas to clean up in but I'm loving the vibes of this team and the way that they come together.

Matt Ando! What a guy. 2 goals in 2 games. He's worn the "A" home and away and has deserved it.
- Hunter B is off to a super hot start as well. 6 points in 2 games I believe. Show me the money at the deadline,
- 4 point night for the missle. Happy to see him get rewarded here. Very underrated player.
- 4th line was big tonight.
- Parsons wasn't overly tested but he was big tonight. Came up when he needed


Lots of positives. Ellinas is looking real good too.

Rest up. Sarnia in a few days. Keg tap coming up.

We're 2-0 baby!

 

[rangersblues]

So far through the first two games of listening to a post game and parts of tonight's game Paul Fixter, has not won me over as a part of the radio team.

I only listened to a period and he was better than I expected. My expectations were pretty low though.

I don't like the Farsy and Fixxy any more than Farsy and Poper though.

 

[I Loveallsports]

Keeping an eye on Martin. Looking good...

 

[EvenSteven]

I only listened to a period and he was better than I expected. My expectations were pretty low though.

I don't like the Farsy and Fixxy any more than Farsy and Poper though.

Agree. I wish they’d run a more mature, professional broadcast. I’d rather Mike and Paul or Mike and Chris any day.

I long for the days of Don and Gary and the professionalism they brought.

I hoped with Pope’s exit we’d get a different broadcast. I guess “Farsie” just can’t help himself.

Keeping an eye on Martin. Looking good...

There’s more on this roster you may be interested in along with Martin.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I think I may have been the only non-OHL/NHL guy on the planet to have Ando as a potential late round NHL pick early last season. Just real solid defensively and seems to enjoy the rough stuff.
It's only 2 games but that's 2 more promising games than we had under Dennis.

 

[I Loveallsports]

Agree. I wish they’d run a more mature, professional broadcast. I’d rather Mike and Paul or Mike and Chris any day.

I long for the days of Don and Gary and the professionalism they brought.

I hoped with Pope’s exit we’d get a different broadcast. I guess “Farsie” just can’t help himself.


There’s more on this roster you may be interested in along with Martin.

Oh? Please share..

 

[EvenSteven]

Well, I’ve been advocating a Rehkropf to Sudbury, Owen Beck comparable deal for a while now. He’s likely a shoe in for 50 goals this year and he’s an ‘05.

You addressed the D this week so I suppose there isn’t a fit for Hunter B.

But a Martin / Rehkopf expanded deal could put an already strong Sudbury team over the top.

 

[Krangers08]

Well, I’ve been advocating a Rehkropf to Sudbury, Owen Beck comparable deal for a while now. He’s likely a shoe in for 50 goals this year and he’s an ‘05.

You addressed the D this week so I suppose there isn’t a fit for Hunter B.

But a Martin / Rehkopf expanded deal could put an already strong Sudbury team over the top.

Josh Brown mention they don’t have intentions of trading him this year unless they get blown out of the water with a offer.

 

[EvenSteven]

Josh Brown mention they don’t have intentions of trading him this year unless they get blown out of the water with a offer.

A) I would assume the team would make that announcement publicly no matter what their intentions are.

B) IMO, if Rehkopf lights it up in the 1st half, an Owen Beck type deal may be considered enough for MM to be blown out of the water.

 

[Krangers08]

A) I would assume the team would make that announcement publicly no matter what their intentions are.

B) IMO, if Rehkopf lights it up in the 1st half, an Owen Beck type deal may be considered enough for MM to be blown out of the water.

you’re not wrong, I see both sides. Does birch have any say in trades because if he does I can see him keep rehkopf so there is at least one name to put fans in the seats and ship in him in the offseason after a 40+ goal season. I’ve heard he’s in the running for branch’s position.

 

[EvenSteven]

you’re not wrong, I see both sides. Does birch have any say in trades because if he does I can see him keep rehkopf so there is at least one name to put fans in the seats and ship in him in the offseason after a 40+ goal season. I’ve heard he’s in the running for branch’s position.

To be honest, I hope Birch has no say in trades. As Brian Burke once said, he can’t drive the car if someone else has their hands on the wheel.

This is / should be MM’s show. Period.


We won’t contend this year or next. To get the most out of Rehkropf in trade, it has to be this year. There’s no need to hang onto him if the return is right.

Outside of London, Kitchener is the last team in this league that has to worry about getting fans in the seats.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

I'm saving this for the new year to see how teams are rating then. For now it, could be a great bingo card of sorts. Meant in fun of course. I'm quite sure that there will be challenging games ahead!

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Josh Brown mention they don’t have intentions of trading him this year unless they get blown out of the water with a offer.

My 4D chess move is make Rehk captain this year, then if we don't get blown away by a trade, we can upsell him next year as everything he already is plus a Captain with 1-1.5years experience as such. Whether wearing the C really makes a player more valueable to another team or not, it sure seems to have some effect on prices.

 

[OhSheilaa]

Loving this "team" approach.

It's clear the new coaching staff has given everyone a fresh, clean look and start. Our 4th line has contributed nicely. Pugliese isn't hampered by injury anymore, is working his butt off and getting rewarded for it. Morey has made the most of his chances too and Mercer is solid both ways. That's a great 4th line, they check like crazy and when they get a chance, they can score too.

LOVE Campbell, great trade. Brzustewicz is so dependable and smooth. Andonovski is tough to play against and he's scoring. He has ben a favourite of mine since day one with his work ethic and toguhness. Mamara and Motew are both at a new level and Reid does not look like a rookie, actually none of our rookies, look like first year players. Of course over time, they'll make mistakes as they play more against experienced players, but this is definitely a draft for the ages.

Martin is a beast, a great power forward. Swick is really improved and Misaljevic, wow, his speed and skill are why he's done so well so far. Sop and Rehkopf are both leading by example.

A great start, but realistically we're still in for a challenging season. As long as we get the effort and excitement we've seen so far, I'll be happy. This is the start of something really good.

As for the broadcast. It's Farwell's show. I think Fixter has good knowledge of the game and knows what coaches and players might be dealing with during a game. He's got stories from his coaching days to add to the broadcast. He's not the professional broadcaster that Pope is. Pope had a good grasp on the OHL, did his homework before each game and performed well. The biggest difference is Don Cameron didn't push his opinions on the broadcast, he made great observations and let fans come up with their own thoughts. Don put the focus on the game.